How does ART work?
ART stops HIV from replicating – that is, 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 infects CD4 cells and uses them 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 June 2022.