Does everyone need treatment?

At some point, most HIV-positive people will need treatment. When people will need it though, varies from person to person.

HIV infection progresses in different people at very different rates.

About one third of HIV-positive people will stay well for up to 10 years after infection, even without treatment.
60% will start treatment after 4-5 years.
2-3% of people can become ill more quickly and need treatment much earlier.
2-3% of people can go for 15-20 years without treatment.

Whether you need treatment is something you have to discuss with your doctor. This will usually take place over several visits.

Discussing whether you need treatment with your doctor

Even if you are well, it is a good idea to get to know something about treatment now, before you need it.

This is particularly important if your CD4 count is falling, or if you have a high viral load.

Ask as many questions as possible until you are happy with the answers.
Get useful information from other sources. This includes the internet, friends, newsletters and phonelines.

This is the web edition of the i-Base guide Introduction to combination therapy. This guide is available in UK clinics. You can order free printed copies or download a PDF version (516 Kb). Translations. Authors and credits. Glossary. Full section index.

Decisions relating to your treatment should always be taken in consultation with your doctor. Information in this guide is intended to support those discussions.