A person experiencing an opportunistic infection should not normally be taken off of anti-HIV therapy. Very early, aggressive treatment might lead to longer life. Or it might lead to using up the limited supply of therapies too early in the course of disease by triggering the development of resistance earlier than necessary. Moreover, it also risks long-term side effects associated with therapies. If infection is suspected, test for HIV using sensitive and sophisticated techniques.
Some experts recommend treatment if the test is positive.
They believe this offers the chance of changing the course of HIV disease in the person. However, people should be made aware of all the potential risks and benefits of such early treatment. The true long-term effect of immediate treatment is unknown because current studies are not yet complete. Some experts also recommend treatment for all people who were infected within the previous six months. This document was provided by Project Inform .