Question
How long can I live if I’m taking HIV treatment (ART)?
15 January 2018. Related: All topics, Life expectancy, Living with HIV long-term.
Can HIV kill when you have an undetectable viral load? I’m doing well on medication and how long can i live to the cure? Lastly, why cant I stop thinking about my HIV status – first thing in the morning and also just before I fall asleep?
Polio have been eradicated but why cant scientists do the same for HIV?
Answer
The quick answer is that with modern HIV drugs (called ART) your life expectancy is likely to be similar to if you were HIV negative. The earlier someone is diagnosed and start ART, the quicker any damage from HIV can be reversed.
For most people, HIV is easy to treat and easy to manage. ART can give you a normal life expectancy and an excellent quality of life.
Hw long anyone will live depends on things you can change (smoking, exercise, medication) and thing you can’t (genetics and luck). A study in Denmark (2005) estimated that the survival is more than 35 years for a young person diagnosed with HIV infection and another study in Canada (2003) report that in the US, life expectancy at age 20 years was an additional 58.3 years.
As long as your CD4 count stays above 200 cells/mm3, the risk of most HIV complications is pretty low. At higher CD4 levels – above 350, or 500, or 700 – the risk becomes lower still. Although some health problems are slightly higher in HIV positive people compared to HIV negative people, these risks are also often reduced by ART.
If you continue to take your medication as prescribed and do not miss or taking doses late, then the risk of HIV health problems in the future s very low. However, just as HIV negative people become ill, lifestyle changes to reduce these risks are important if you are HIV positive. For example, keeping mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet, resting well, not smoking etc).
Having HIV might not always be easy though. The shock of being diagnosed sometimes takes a long time to come to terms with and at the moment you are still working on this. Already, I am sure you feel better than when you were first diagnosed and this will continue to become easier every year.
Most people worry about the impact of HIV on their life. This could bewhy you think about your HIV status on a daily basis. If this continues to be difficult perhaps get in touch with a local support group or ask about counselling. Talking about your HIV status can help you to deal with it and also through group support you can share experiences and also learn from one another. You do not have to deal with it in isolation.
Finally, you asked about research into a cure. HIV is very complex in a way that is different to polio. Although currently there is no vaccine or cure, there is a lot of ongoing research.
HIV treatment is one of the successes of modern medicine. The breadth and expertise in scientific advances has not only developed 30 medications in five drug classes but this research has contributed to many other areas of medicine.
Even though curing HIV is difficult, there are lots of reasons to be optimistic.
This question was updated in January 2018 from an original answer posted in November 2011. (See: Question 10 at this link for more information).
Hi Purna,
I’m sorry, it sounds like it’s tough for you at the moment. But most people have a difficult time when they are diagnosed with HIV. The shock of being diagnosed sometimes takes a while to come to terms with. However, I’m sure you’ll feel better than when you were first diagnosed, and this will become easier with time.
When you feel ready you could think about starting HIV treatment (ART). Many people feel healthy and live well on ART. And with ART life expectancy can be the same as someone who is HIV negative.
Here is a guide Introduction to ART. And here’s a link to ART in Pictures which explains how treatment can keep HIV under control.
Things don’t stay this way for most people – things really do get better. Best wishes.
Hi I’m Purna
Today I came to knew that I have HIV positive infection and I’m so worried and scared too.I couldn’t able to share to anyone and I feel like I’m going under depression and stress which I heard it’s more impactful to me.So will be grateful if I could get some encouraging message to not to stay in same way.
Thank you
Hi Grace,
Unfortunately we are not doctors. But if you have serious back aches and joint pain please go to the doctor to find out what’s causing them. But if you think you might be HIV positive it’s a good idea to get tested.
Hi guy please I am scared, I actually unprotected sex, now I have serious back aches and joint pain could I have the virus? And how is easy to get the med in nigeria
Hi Rabin,
Thanks very much for your comment. Where do you live? There are support charities that can help young people like you and your brother in many places around the world. If you let us know what country you live in we’ll try to put you in touch. Many HIV positive people can expect to live as long as HIV negative people when they are on HIV treatment. Are you and your brother on treatment? Please let us know.
Hi Gents, My brother have HIV possitive.Now he is 10 years old.soo please if you have any suggastioys ( idea) how to live long life.He still dose not know about his problem.I dont have any idea how to solve my brother problem.please if you have any suggastions share us.
Hi Diesel mech,
Here in the UK there isn’t a barrier to HIV positive people working as diesel mechanics. If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. They might be able to help with employment advice.
Can i work as a diesel mechanic if im hiv positive will medical i pass medical test?
Hi Scared,
You are right. It’s better to know if you’re HIV positive so that you get treatment sooner rather than later. HIV treatment (ART) is the best way to stop HIV from continiung to damage your immune system. Here’s a link to the i-Base FAQs about HIV testing.
Hey Guys I’m just curious if you have an STD is it likely possible you can diginose with HIV I’m scared to do the test I’m not really for this but if Ik it’s better to know early to get the treatment but I’m just so scare