Question
How long can I live if I’m taking HIV treatment (ART)?
15 January 2018. Related: All topics, Life expectancy, Living with HIV long-term.
Can HIV kill when you have an undetectable viral load? I’m doing well on medication and how long can i live to the cure? Lastly, why cant I stop thinking about my HIV status – first thing in the morning and also just before I fall asleep?
Polio have been eradicated but why cant scientists do the same for HIV?
Answer
The quick answer is that with modern HIV drugs (called ART) your life expectancy is likely to be similar to if you were HIV negative. The earlier someone is diagnosed and start ART, the quicker any damage from HIV can be reversed.
For most people, HIV is easy to treat and easy to manage. ART can give you a normal life expectancy and an excellent quality of life.
Hw long anyone will live depends on things you can change (smoking, exercise, medication) and thing you can’t (genetics and luck). A study in Denmark (2005) estimated that the survival is more than 35 years for a young person diagnosed with HIV infection and another study in Canada (2003) report that in the US, life expectancy at age 20 years was an additional 58.3 years.
As long as your CD4 count stays above 200 cells/mm3, the risk of most HIV complications is pretty low. At higher CD4 levels – above 350, or 500, or 700 – the risk becomes lower still. Although some health problems are slightly higher in HIV positive people compared to HIV negative people, these risks are also often reduced by ART.
If you continue to take your medication as prescribed and do not miss or taking doses late, then the risk of HIV health problems in the future s very low. However, just as HIV negative people become ill, lifestyle changes to reduce these risks are important if you are HIV positive. For example, keeping mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet, resting well, not smoking etc).
Having HIV might not always be easy though. The shock of being diagnosed sometimes takes a long time to come to terms with and at the moment you are still working on this. Already, I am sure you feel better than when you were first diagnosed and this will continue to become easier every year.
Most people worry about the impact of HIV on their life. This could bewhy you think about your HIV status on a daily basis. If this continues to be difficult perhaps get in touch with a local support group or ask about counselling. Talking about your HIV status can help you to deal with it and also through group support you can share experiences and also learn from one another. You do not have to deal with it in isolation.
Finally, you asked about research into a cure. HIV is very complex in a way that is different to polio. Although currently there is no vaccine or cure, there is a lot of ongoing research.
HIV treatment is one of the successes of modern medicine. The breadth and expertise in scientific advances has not only developed 30 medications in five drug classes but this research has contributed to many other areas of medicine.
Even though curing HIV is difficult, there are lots of reasons to be optimistic.
This question was updated in January 2018 from an original answer posted in November 2011. (See: Question 10 at this link for more information).
Hi Emma, It’s good that you’ve been on treatment since 2012. What are your CD4 and viral load results? If CD4 is strong and viral load undetectable then it looks like your treatment is working well. But if your cough continues you can talk to the doctor about it. They can do tests to find out what’s causing it.
Am on hiv treatment since 2012 am now 38 old but every year since 2017 I have a terrible cough what must I do
Hi Mark, Sorry, it sounds like it’s tough for you at the moment. But many people find testing positive hard to come to terms with at first. However, it’s good that you have a strong CD4 count. It’s within the range for people who are HIV negative. So you have time to think about starting ART and that means you can discuss how to start in detail with your doctor. It’s great that you are very fit. And there’s no reason to worry about losing fitness and ability. Many people over 50 who are on ARVs also go to the gym regularly. And go jogging and cycling too.
Here’s a similar question about starting ART where Simon lists the things you might want to consider. Most ARVs can be taken with ramipril, but this can be part of your discussion with your doctor about what ARVs you might start with.
hi I was diagnosed positive in February this year. I am finding it really hard to come to terms with. I am in my 50,s and obviously have been recommended to start art medications, cd4 is 673 and viral 10,000.. I have slightly raised high blood pressure and take mild medication for the Ramipril.. I’m really confused about all the medications and really scared about the side effects of them all. Its really very tough at the moment. I’m very fit and usually jogging and cycling many miles most days. I’m so worried about loosing my fitness and ability to exercise. My thought are so negative with out daily exercise. any advise would be really helpful thank you.
Hi Collins,
Its common to feel like this when you’re first diagnosed. Though it can be a shock, and its common to panic, you are however going to be OK. HIV is no longer the illness it used to be. Its now a very manageable health condition. With meds you can expect to live a normal life expectancy.
Because you’ve tested positive, there is a chance that your partner may also be positive. Due to her being pregnant its important to test. If her test comes back negative, until you’re on medication and your viral load is undetectable you’ll need to use condoms. Using condoms will prevent your girlfriend from contracting HIV.
Telling someone that you’re positive can be very difficult. However,given the circumstances your girlfriend needs to know.
Hello
I was diagnosed yesterday and finding it difficult to take it. My girlfriend is pregnant with my child and doesn’t know. How I’m I going to tell her. She has done the test and waiting for results. Can we live a normal life ? How long can we live? I need help because I am breaking down
Dear Unkown, It’s really good that you feel as fit as a fiddle. Being on ART looks like it’s working well for you.
m I have been diagnosed some 10 yrs ago and I feel fine I only lose weight when I m stressed n wounds heal fast without medication common flues just come and go I dont get sick often I m as fit as a fiddle.
Hi Unknown,
Its good to hear that your doing well with the side effects. This means that your body is getting used to the medication.
With regards to telling your parents about your status, this is something that only you can deiced. You don’t however have anything to feel guilty about.
yes. i am still living here. side effects is getting fine. but i feel guilty when i see my parents. i have not yet told them. should i tell them??