I realize that the majority of you undoubtedly do not know what this container is for; you may be aware that it contains pills, but for what purpose? Today is your fortunate day, as you will now be aware of the types of pills contained in this container and the advantages of consuming them.
Before you continue reading, let's make sure you understand the following terms and acronyms:
1. Viral Load - the quantity of virus in the blood of an infected individual.
Antiretroviral therapy is the abbreviation for ART.
ARVs - abbreviation for antiretroviral medications.
Good news for HIV-positive and HIV-negative persons worldwide
The above pill containers are for antiretroviral medications (ARVs), for those who are unaware. The good news is that if you take your ARVs daily and as prescribed, the virus can be reduced to undetectable levels. Normal blood tests will no longer detect the presence of the virus.
A person who has achieved a "undetectable" viral load cannot transmit HIV to another individual through sexual activity. The only method to determine if your virus has become undetectable is to have your viral load monitored; looking and feeling healthy and taking your ARVs daily and on time are not sufficient indicators.
Do you understand how crucial it is to take your HIV medication correctly? Therefore, if you take your ARVs correctly and the virus has become undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV to another person. Imagine having the HIV level in your body decreased.
Another advantage of antiretroviral therapy is that it allows the immune system to recover as HIV is suppressed in the body. According to the HPTN 052 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016, a person's risk of transmitting the virus is reduced by approximately 96% if he or she takes his or her medication correctly.
I trust you learned something today; please follow Mlexie, as I have much more to share with you.