AIDS - Medicine for HIV positive

Though one can not make any predictions about when a "cure" for HIV infection would be available, already drugs are available that can reduce the viral load in HIV positive patient to extremely low levels, levels where the ill effects of HIV infection on the immune system are virtually eliminated. Unfortunately the drugs are extremely expensive and have side effects. The current drugs do not eliminate the virus. Scientists all over the world are working on better drugs and combinations that reduce the number of pills to be taken daily. Attempts are under way to reduce the cost of anti-HIV drugs in the developing world including India. One can hope therefore that treatment of the infection will become affordable by more people as the cost comes down. Persons who are HIV positive can do a lot to ensure that they have a high quality of life. They must avoid the possibility of getting another infection with HIV as the new strain may have worse effects than the existing infection, and may also further strain the immune system. They must also live positively with care to ensure adequate nutrition, exercise and rest. All other infections must be treated as early and completely as possible. There is some evidence that drugs from alternative systems including homeopathy and ayurveda/siddha have shown a beneficial effect in expert hands, but no cure has yet been demonstrated from any system of medicine.