Question
How close are they to finding a cure?
24 February 2010. Related: All topics, Cure.
I read late last year about a medication that is still on trial which requires taking one tablet between years i.e. if one takes a tablet today they are not required to take another pill for 10 years.
I would like to know how far the research has gone. I know it was tried on humans and so far has worked to maintain the viral load and CD4. Please can you tell me how close they are in finding a cure because I am quite desperate to have one?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I have never heard of research into HIV treatment which you take once every 10 years. This too much to ask of any drug other than a vaccine. All current treatments require daily dosing, though this can be as little as 1 or 2 tablets per day.
Some researchers are looking into whether it is possible to take medication once a month. However, this is still a long way off. Curing HIV is very difficult and it is still likely to take many years to work out.
It sounds from your question as if you are not coping well with being HIV positive. It would be good to know whether you are taking treatment or if you are having problems with your treatment. That way we might be able to help.
Many people still worry about being HIV positive and their life expectancy. However, with the current drugs available, it is hoped that most HIV-positive people will have a good quality of life for at least 20-30 years after starting treatment.
For information on the current drugs available please see our
Tropical fruit,
Try Pozmatch.com dating site for positive people. I know of people who have met and had children through this site.
Please do not give up hope of getting married or having children. Being HIV positive doesn’t mean you can’t have a relationship. It is now possible to take medications when you are pregnant to protect your child from getting HIV.
I understand how hard it is to tell someone about your status but if they care about you they will love you no matter what. Remember, talking about your status to a loved one is a process not an event. You first need to sensitise them about what HIV is, how it can be transmitted and what it means to live with someone who is HIV positive. That way they will understand the risks and won’t run away when you decide to tell them you are HIV positive.
Do you have any support? It might help talking to other people who are HIV positive in your area to share experiences with them.
Thanks for your reply. I am doing well on treatment and always take my treatment on time. It has been 4 years since I found out I was HIV positive but I have never accepted it. I take my medication because I want to live. I am just worried that I may never be able to get married or have kids since it will be difficult for people to accept me if they find out. I stopped thinking about the future long ago and live for today. I have stopped taking relationships seriously and have erased love from my dictionary. It hurts the most when your rejected by a loved one. I pray everyday for a cure. :-(