Final answer:
Antiretroviral medications should be continued for an HIV patient exposed to measles to control HIV infection and support the immune system, potentially combined with measles vaccine and immunoglobulin therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
For an HIV patient who has had exposure to measles, it is crucial to act promptly because their immune system is already compromised. Administration of antiretroviral medications within two or three days of the incident can substantially reduce possible complications. For those already on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), their treatment regimen should be continued without interruption to maintain immune function and control the HIV infection.
Measles can be particularly severe in immuno-compromised patients, so HAART not only helps to control HIV but also assists in preventing opportunistic infections, like measles, from becoming more serious. Maintaining an undetectable viral load is crucial for the health of the patient and also plays a key role in preventing the transmission of HIV to others. In addition to continuing their current HAART regimen, the HIV patient should receive the measles vaccine unless contraindicated, and potentially immunoglobulin therapy if they are determined to be at high risk for measles complications.