The Basics
HIV is a virus that infects and destroys CD4 cells. CD4 cells are part of the body’s immune system. The immune system protects the body from invaders. When the immune system loses too many CD4 cells, it becomes weak and is unable to fight off germs. At this point, you are at risk of getting AIDS-related opportunistic infections (OIs) that can cause serious illness or death.

HIV Treatments
Scientists have developed drugs that block HIV from reproducing (multiplying). These drugs are grouped into classes. Each class of drugs works to stop HIV at a certain point in its life cycle. So far there are five classes of drugs:

• Entry inhibitors (includes fusion inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists)

• Integrase inhibitors

• Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“nukes” or NRTIs)

• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“non-nukes” or NNRTIs)

• Protease inhibitors (PIs)

HIV drugs are always used in combination to attack the virus at different points in its life cycle. This usually means using drugs from at least two classes. Combining HIV drugs is the best way to reduce the amount of HIV in your blood ( viral load).

Baseline Blood Tests
Before you start HIV treatment, your health care provider should have you take a number of blood tests. These are your baseline tests. Future test results will be compared to your baseline results to check how you are doing and how your treatment is working.

1.CD4 cell (T-cell) count: The CD4 count checks the strength of your immune system. After you start HIV treatment, you should see your CD4 count go up. Your CD4 count should be checked every 3-4 months, if possible.

2.Viral load test: The viral load test measures the amount of HIV in your blood. After you start HIV treatment, you should see your viral load go down. Your viral load should be checked about a month after you start or change HIV drugs. After that, it should be checked every 3-4 months.

3.Resistance test: The resistance test helps determine which drugs are likely to work for you. Experts recommend that everyone should get a resistance test before starting or changing HIV treatments, even if you do not plan to start HIV treatment for a while.

4.Other tests to check your overall health: These include complete blood count (CBC), chemistry screen, lipid profile, and glucose. Your health care provider should talk with you about how often these tests need to be done.