ART lowers infection risk

Antiviral medicines (ART) depress the viral count in HIV infected humans to levels that can't be detected in the blood. The virus is also reduced in other body fluids (e.g. genital discharge) and the risk of infection through sexual contact is decreased. ART is thought to be an effective preventative measure against the HIV epidemic. Studies showed that there was a drastic reduction of HIV new infections in sub-populations that were treated with ART medicines. The new infection rate could be reduced by 80%. So the HIV epidemic in wealthy industrialised countries could be stopped now. As the infected person would be tested and receiving medication they would be aware of their infected state and so should minimise their risk behaviour.

Recommendation of ART treatment to reduced HIV infection

ART treatment does not completely exclude the risk of transmission by an individual, even though the virus can no longer be detected in the blood. Compliance in taking the medication can't be guaranteed as some individuals have severe reaction to the treatment, also the individual can be resistent the medication so they lose their effectiveness.

The recommendation for infected human behaviour does not change with ART treatment. The infected person must inform their sexual partners of their infection and must consistently use condoms. Any pair who are both infected should also use condoms to reduces transmission of resisten viruses.

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