How soon do I need to start?

It is easy to begin ART at ant time.

Many people start on the same day or in the same week they are diagnosed. The meds start working soon as you take them. Getting an undetectable viral load can also normalise your life again.

• Most people start ART soon after testing positive.
• Your doctor should talk about ART in your first appointment.
• Starting ART is also your choice if you need a little time to decide.

Finding out you are HIV positive?

Getting an HIV diagnosis can be a shock.

• This might take time to get used to.
• Other services can help, including support from other people living with HIV.

Other useful links

• Just found out you are positive?
• Is starting ART easy?
• When should I start treatment
• Early diagnosis and primary infection

My first reaction was to put off starting therapy for as long as possible. I tried to improve my immune system by stopping smoking and using supplements, until I realised that my best bet was to use ARVs. They are the only way to ensure my long-term survival.

After 8 months of resisting treatment I eventually started ARVs. I do not say that I gave in, but that I became more clever!

— Vladimir, St Petersburg

Last updated: 1 November 2024.