We answer questions about HIV treatment
This service for people living with HIV is about treatment.
If we don’t know the answer we will research it. And if there is no clear answer we will tell you.
We do not answer Qs about HIV risk or HIV testing.
Ask your question online ❯
More than 5000 questions have answers already online – organised into over 30 categories. Your answer may already be here.
- Recent questions
- 18 most asked questions – with simple and longer answers
- Questions about PEP (post-exposure treatment)
- Questions about HIV testing or risk
- Questions by subject
- FAQs for 12 top subjects
Please check the date of the answers! Guidelines change and older answers may only be accurate for time they were posted. Some older questions have been updated, and this is clarified at the end of the post.
Are you worried you might be HIV positive?
Please see:
- Why doesn’t i-Base answer Qs on HIV testing and transmission?
- A factsheet about PEP.
- Guide to HIV testing and transmission
About this service
Questions are answered by treatment advocates at i-Base. We are not doctors or nurses – see: Who answers these questions?
- Information is to be used in discussion with your doctor.
- We use everyday language to answer your question personally.
- The more information you include with your question, the better we can do this. For example, it helps to include your current CD4 count, whether you are on treatment and how long you have been HIV positive etc.
Please tell us which country you live in. This is because guidelines and treatment are different in different parts of the world.
Information we provide is based on latest treatment guidelines and research. Answers are based on best available evidence and references are included when appropriate.
If you are in the UK and worried about HIV transmission and testing or would like advice on counselling, benefits, housing or legal questions
Please contact THT Direct (0808 802 1221) or visit THT’s website.
Posting comments online
Most questions that are answered online include the option to post comments.
This is a chance to give your own perspective and experience. It is a chance to develop an interactive discussion.
- All comments are moderated by one of the advocates employed by i-Base.
- We aim to moderate comments every week, often this is more frequent.
- Comments that are not related to the original post may be posted as new questions.
- Please only include information that you are happy to be read online by anyone.
- Unless stated otherwise, all comments are from non-medical professionals.
- Comments may be edited for clarity, style or meaning.
- We reserve the right not to post information that is misleading or inaccurate.
- Abusive comments, spam or commercial advertising will not be posted online. Please be honest and post respectful comments.
- If you are unhappy about a comment you have posted, please email us if you would like it removed.
Other ways we can help
- Treatment questions can also be sent by email to questions@i-base.org.uk
- Our guides to combination therapy explain HIV treatment in non-technical language
This Q&A service is not for questions about HIV testing or HIV transmission.
- If you have a question about catching HIV, risks or testing please read this FAQ page on HIV transmission and testing. It will answer most questions.
- Our Guide to sexual transmission and HIV testing contains more detailed information. This resource will also answer your questions.
- If you have symptoms you need to contact a doctor. We are not doctors and we cannot diagnose health conditions by email or online.
Feedback
Your feedback and suggestions are always appreciated.
Funding
Support for the Q&A services is provided thanks to Gilead Sciences Ltd (Europe and UK) and ViiV Healthcare (International and UK).
Last updated: 1 January 2025.