After taking ARVs for some time, three years at most, a patient can stop taking the medication and still have a strong immunity. After taking ARVs for some time, three years at most, a patient can stop taking the medication and still have a strong immunity. In addition, some individuals after a long spell of treatment acquire resistance to the drugs, which eventually makes them prone to opportunistic diseases. "Putting one on ARVs early is meant to reduce the virus from multiplying and prevent the immune system from getting damaged. Starting early means we will have a 'functional cure' but we have to understand that there is no cure at the moment," Ndung'u said.

Source: Standard Digital September 19, 2016 21:03 UTC