There is no vaccine or cure for HIV infection. However, there are effective treatments that can prevent the transmission of HIV and the progression to AIDS, and help ensure a near-normal life expectancy. These treatments are known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). They stop the virus from reproducing itself, which leads to a lower viral load. The treatment involves a combination of drugs used together. HIV-positive people who take ART daily — exactly as prescribed — and achieve (and maintain) an undetectable viral load can’t sexually transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner. Thanks to the improvements in treatment, HIV infection is now a manageable chronic disease for many people in countries like Australia.