Introduction What is the difference between HIV infection and AIDS? Evaluating your health status Phase 1 - Primo-infection Phase 2 – Seropositive without symptoms Phase 3 – Seropositive with symptoms Phase 4 – AIDS Will I necessarily progress through all phases? What are CD4 cells? What is the viral load? When should I start medications to treat HIV (antiretrovirals)? How does anti-HIV treatment work? Why is it necessary to take several medications at the same time? What are the different types of antiretrovirals? How to choose the best combination of medications? How do I know if my treatment is working? Why are treatments unable to completely erradicate HIV from the body? What are the potential side-effects of antiretrovirals? Why is it sometimes necessary to change the medications in my triple therapy? What is medication resistance? What can I do to avoid resistance? Treatment adherence means: Can alternative or naturopathic/homeopathic therapies assist me in managing my HIV infection? Will I need to take medications for the rest of my life? What can I do to stay in good health? Condom breaks or tears? —Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) HIV and Depression HIV and Aging HIV and Neurocognitive Disorders KASA (Kaletra Adherance and Support Assistance)Program Links and References

You have likely heard of the concept of bacteria resistant to antibiotics (one of the reasons newer and stronger antibiotics are under development). HIV, as a virus, can also develop resistance to the antiretrovirals devised to impede its reproduction.

The ultimate goal of HIV is to replicate itself and thereby ensure its survival. Antiretroviral medications are devised such that they may block the reproduction process at different levels of replication. In the case of HIV, the replication process is so rapid that HIV regularly makes mistakes when copying itself (these errors are called "mutations"). Resistance arises when newly produced copies of HIV virus equipped with mutations are able to reproduce even in the presence of meds!!

Once your virus has developed mutations that instruct it on how to reproduce in the face of medications, your treatment will no longer be able to suppress viral replication. Your viral load is then able to climb and eventually destroy CD4 cells thus weakening your immune system. In an attempt to avoid this decline in your immune system your physician will most likely recommend that you change your treatment regimen.

Cross resistance

Another problem with respect to the concept of resistance is that of cross resistance. This is when the virus develops mutation(s) and resistance to one particular medication, yet this/these mutations also confer resistance to other medications (usually in the same class of medications). Cross resistance can render many, if not all, of the medications in the class less effective (some classes of medications are more at risk from cross resistance than others).

It is important to note, that while there are a multitude of medications currently available to combine and treat HIV, your first therapeutic combination prescribed is likely your best bet at controlling HIV infection. Initial or first line therapies are often simpler and better tolerated than medication combinations used once mutations and resistance have developed (second and third line therapies). As resistance develops, there are fewer medications available to combat HIV. As patients progress towards combinations intended to overcome resistant virus, there is often the associated disadvantage of increased number of pills, constraints and side effects, etc.

The bottom line: your first line is your best line of therapy!!

Research on HIV and aging in QC — 2013

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Aids/HIV & Work .pdf (french)

Your Health & You .pdf (french)

Live Better With HIV .pdf (french)

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