Does everyone need treatment?

Over 95% of HIV-positive people will need treatment.

But HIV infection progresses at very different rates in different people.

• About 20% of people may need treatment 1-2 years after infection.
• Half will start treatment after 2-10 years, at an average of five years.
• About a quarter of people can stay well for over 10 years after infection without using treatment.
• 2-3% of people can go for 15-20 years and still have a strong immune system without treatment.

When you need treatment is something you have to discuss with your doctor. This will usually take place over several visits.

• Ask as many questions as you need to until you are happy with the answers.
• Get information from other sources. This includes the internet, friends, newsletters and phonelines.

Even if you are well, it is a good idea to get to know something about treatment now, before you need it.

This is particularly important if your CD4 count (a marker of your immune system) is declining, or if you have a high viral load.