Last week, the FDA approved a new drug to combat AIDS that is expected to help in the global fight against the virus. The new drug combines three of the most widely used AIDS treatments into a once-a-day pill. Traditionally, AIDS patients take a variety of drugs at varying times throughout the day to combat the effects of the virus. By simplifying treatment options, patients are more likely to stick to their drug regimen and less likely to develop drug-resistant AIDS strains (which can occur if a patient misses just five percent of their recommended drug doses).

The FDA says the drug will be available as part of President Bush’s $15 billion effort to combat AIDS in the developing world. In other positive news for global AIDS treatment, Gilead, one of the makers of the new drug, plans to slash prices for its other AIDS drugs for middle-income countries, such as Mexico. In a press release praising Gilead’s move, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation argues that with all the attention focused on combating AIDS in the developing world, middle-income countries are often left paying the U.S. price tag for AIDS treatment, a price they can rarely afford.

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HIV medicines are giving women longer, healthier futures and new strength. While there’s no cure for HIV, the treatments today allow women to live longer and higher quality lives. Making sense of all your treatment options can be hard. By getting the facts, you can decide the best way for you to manage your illness and get the most from these treatments.
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You Have Options

If you test positive for HIV, find a doctor you can trust who treats HIV-positive women. If you need help finding one, call your state AIDS hotline or the CDC National AIDS hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636). This hotline will either point you to a specific doctor or to resources in your area where you can get health care, like a clinic. Your doctor will talk to you about your health. You also will get a physical exam. If you found out about your positive result over the phone from a counselor at a mail-in testing company, follow up with a doctor to talk about your result.

Just because you are a HIV-positive doesn’t mean that you will need HIV treatment right now. You and your doctor will decide the best time to start treatment. When to start depends on your overall health, the amount of HIV in your blood, how well your immune system is working, and your readiness to stick to treatment. Keep in mind: It is important to see your doctor often — even before you start treatment — to keep you as healthy as possible.

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Preventive measures for persons who are HIV-negative

1. It is important to understand all details pertaining to HIV and the way it is transmitted from person to person. One should also have an idea about various symptoms associated with AIDS.

2. Creating public awareness regarding HIV and AIDS by means of educational programs

3. Having a sexual pleasure with a stranger can be dangerous. One should never enter into any such an act. Make sure your partner is not infected with HIV.

4. One should never engage in unprotected sex. One should always use condoms. Latex condoms are more useful than those made of polyurethane.

5. A circumcision performed under a medical supervision can reduce the risk of an HIV infection.

6. HIV can also get transmitted through infected needles and other sharp instruments. Hence, it is always good to use a clean and sterilized needle while injecting drugs. New razor blades should be used while shaving.

7. Blood transfusion is another important mode of HIV transmission. Hence, it is always better to have blood that has been screened and is negative for HIV and other STIs.

Preventive measures for persons infected with HIV

1. The best preventive measure is to completely abstain from having sex. Always follow safe sex practices such as use of condoms and avoiding any oral or anal intercourse. Sexual devices used by HIV positive individuals should not be shared with others. By this way, one can prevent the spread of this disease to others.

2. One should never shares needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or blades with others. These items can become a potential source of transmission.

3. An HIV-positive individual should never donate blood or organs. Any such donation can cause the disease to spread to other individuals.

4. If the partner with whom an HIV-positive individual had sex is pregnant, it is always better to share with her the fact about your condition. An early treatment can help in preventing the disease within the woman as well as the child.