Over the past few years, new treatments have become available that slow down the development of AIDS and reduce the chances of serious illnesses like pneumonia. It is likely that treatment for HIV will improve over the next few years.
Treatments are more likely to be effective if they are used early in the course of infection.
The earlier you know you have HIV infection, the more likely treatment will delay serious illness and improve the quantity and quality of life. Early knowledge of HIV infection is essential. Waiting until you get sick is leaving it too late. HIV itself is difficult to detect. However, within three months of infection, a test called the HIV antibody test can detect HIV antibodies in your blood.