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HIV and Its Treatment
Seeing an HIV DoctorI am HIV positive. What kind of doctor do I need? Your doctor (or other healthcare provider) should be experienced in treating HIV and AIDS. You may want to see an infectious disease specialist. You will need to work closely with your doctor to make informed decisions about your treatment, so it is important to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable.
What can I expect at the doctor's office? Your doctor will ask you questions about your health, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. This is a good time to ask your doctor questions. Write down any questions you have and take them with you to your appointment. Women should have a pregnancy test and a gynecologic examination with Pap smear.
What questions should I ask my doctor? You should ask your doctor about:
What tests will my doctor order? It is very important to have a CD4 count and a viral load test done at your first doctor's visit. The results will provide a baseline measurement for future tests. CD4 count – CD4 cells, also called CD4+ T cells, are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening your body's immune system. A CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood. Viral load test – A viral load test measures the amount of HIV in a sample of blood. This test shows how well your immune system is controlling the virus. The two viral load tests commonly used for HIV are:
To ensure accurate results, viral load testing should be done at two different times, by the same laboratory, using the same type of test. The results of different types of tests may differ. Your doctor may also order:
Am I ready to begin HIV treatment? Once you begin taking anti-HIV medications, you may need to continue taking them for the rest of your life. Deciding when or if to begin treatment depends on your health and your readiness to follow a treatment regimen that may be complicated. You and your doctor should discuss your readiness to begin treatment as well as strategies to make your treatment work for you.
If my doctor and I decide to delay treatment, will I need to have my CD4 count and viral load tested again? Yes. HIV infected people who have not started drug therapy should have a viral load test every 3 to 4 months and a CD4 count every 3 to 6 months. You and your doctor will use the test results to monitor your infection and to decide when to start treatment.
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Risks and benefits of HIV treatment 
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