When should treatment begin after an HIV diagnosis?

Okay, friend, don't panic, let's talk about this. The most crucial thing with this diagnosis is acknowledging it directly and then managing it scientifically.

After Diagnosis, When Should Treatment Start? Answer: Right Now, Immediately!

The current medical consensus and treatment guidelines from all countries are crystal clear: Once diagnosed, you should start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible. This is called "Treat All."

Don't listen to the outdated idea from years ago of "waiting until the CD4 count drops to a certain level before starting medication." That's an old concept from over a decade ago and is long out of date.

Why The Sooner The Better?

Think of it like this: a bunch of invaders (HIV) have gotten into your body, specifically targeting your defense troops (CD4 cells).

For Your Own Good: Protect Your Immunity
- Early treatment = Protect your troops: The sooner you start medication (antiretrovirals), the faster you can suppress these invaders and stop them from destroying your immune forces. The less damage your immune system suffers, the easier it is to recover and stay strong. This means you can live like anyone else and are less likely to get those unusual infections (opportunistic infections).
- Delayed treatment = Heavy troop losses: If you wait until your immune forces are severely depleted (very low CD4 count) to start treatment, while the virus can still be controlled, the damage already done is very hard to fully reverse. It's like a country's army being decimated – even if the enemy surrenders, rebuilding takes much longer and is harder.
For Others' Good: Protect Your Partner
- Here's a very, very, very important concept to understand: U=U.
- U = Undetectable
- U = Untransmittable
- As long as you consistently take your medication, usually within 3 to 6 months, the amount of virus in your body (viral load) will drop to an undetectable level. When your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV to anyone through sex.
- This is the ultimate protection for your partner and also lifts a huge psychological burden, allowing you to embrace life and love more easily.
Reduce Long-Term Inflammation, Live Longer and Better
- Even when you feel no symptoms, the HIV virus is constantly active in your body, causing a long-term, low-grade inflammatory response. This inflammation gradually damages your heart and blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and brain.
- Starting treatment early helps extinguish this "smoldering fire within" sooner, allowing you to have a normal life expectancy and a higher quality of life in your later years.

What Specific Steps Should You Take After Diagnosis?

Don't panic, stay calm: Getting a positive diagnosis is scary and causes anxiety for anyone. That's a normal reaction. But remember, HIV is now a manageable chronic condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Contact your local CDC (China CDC) or designated HIV treatment hospital ASAP: They will provide professional guidance and free antiretroviral drugs. This is a benefit provided by the state – make sure you use it.
Get Pre-Treatment Tests: Your doctor will perform some tests, such as:
- CD4 Cell Count: To see the current state of your immune system.
- Viral Load: To see how much virus is in your body.
- Liver & Kidney Function Tests, Blood Tests: To ensure you are physically fit to start medication and to choose the best drug regimen for you.
- Resistance Testing (done in some areas): To check if the virus you have is resistant to certain medications.
Start Your Medication: The doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen based on your situation. First-line drugs today are very advanced, have minimal side effects, and many only require taking one pill per day, making it very convenient.

In summary:

Don't hesitate, don't wait. When you get your diagnosis report, contact a doctor immediately and start your treatment journey. This is taking the utmost responsibility for your own health and the best protection for those you love. Starting treatment one day earlier means taking control of your life one day sooner.

Hang in there! You're not alone on this path. With expert doctors and advanced medication by your side, you absolutely can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.