Final answer:
Treatment of HIV typically begins as soon as the diagnosis is made and should be continued without breaks. The goal is to decrease the risk of progression to AIDS and the risk of death. Taking the medications consistently allows HIV-infected individuals to live longer, healthier lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of HIV typically begins as soon as the diagnosis is made and should be continued without breaks. The goal of treatment is to decrease the risk of progression to AIDS and the risk of death. Treatment consists of a combination of at least three antiretroviral drugs, known as a 'cocktail,' which slows the progression of the disease by keeping viral loads low. Taking the medications consistently allows HIV-infected individuals to live longer, healthier lives and also reduces the risk of transmitting the virus. Any opportunistic infections that occur in people with AIDS are also treated with appropriate medications.