How does ART work?

ART stops the HIV lifecycle. It stops HIV from making copies of itself.

This reduces viral load to very low levels.

Your CD4 count then increases.

When not on ART, your immune system works in overdrive.

• HIV gets into CD4 cells and uses these cells to make more virus.
• Your body produces new CD4 cells to fight the new HIV.
• HIV then uses these new cells to produce even more virus.

Over time, without ART, your immune system gets worn out. It is like a dog chasing it’s own tail. See below.

After ART, your body stops over-producing CD4 cells. Your immune system then gets the chance to repair itself and to grow stronger.

When not on treatment, your immune system works in overdrive

Last updated: 1 November 2024.