What to Expect from HIV Treatment (ART) Side Effects, Adherence & U=U
When you are diagnosed with HIV, starting the right treatment can feel like a turning point. At KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre in Coimbatore, we prioritise a clear, compassionate approach to ART — explaining what to expect, how to manage side-effects, and how staying on treatment can lead to “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U). This article explores the journey of HIV treatment, what adherence means for you, and how effective management protects your health and the health of others.
What is ART and how it works
- ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) uses combinations of medications to suppress HIV’s replication, preserve immune function, and prevent progression to AIDS.
- In India, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) 2021 Guidelines recommend rapid start of ART after diagnosis. NACO
- Achieving viral suppression means the virus is undetectable in the blood and cannot be transmitted sexually (U=U). ViiV Healthcare+1
- Link to pillar blog for more general HIV info
Adherence: why it matters & how to achieve it
- High adherence (95-100 %) is essential to reach and maintain viral suppression. Lippincott Journals
- Barriers: pill fatigue, side-effects, stigma, forgetfulness, lack of support.
- Tips: link meds to everyday routine, use phone alarms, join support groups, maintain open communication with your clinician.
U=U: What it means for you and your partner
- U=U = Undetectable = Untransmittable: if your viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be sexually transmitted. ViiV Healthcare+1
- This empowers people living with HIV to have fulfilling relationships without fear of transmission if care is maintained.
- How you get there: consistent ART, regular viral load tests, monitoring every 3-6 months.
Local care pathway at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre
If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV or are starting ART, visit our centre in Coimbatore for personalised care. We offer:
- Rapid ART initiation
- Side-effect management
- Viral load & CD4 monitoring
- Adherence counselling and peer support
- Integrate
- d diabetes/sexual-health screening (if relevant)
Book your consultation today.
- Rapid ART initiation
FAQs
- How soon after starting ART will I feel better? Many feel better within weeks; immune recovery takes months.
- Can I stop medication once undetectable? No — lifelong treatment is required to maintain viral suppression.
- If I’m undetectable, is safe sex possible without condoms? With regular monitoring and no other risk factors, U=U means transmission risk is negligible — discuss with your clinician.
Conclusion
ART has transformed HIV from a life-threatening condition into a manageable chronic illness. With high adherence, good support and regular monitoring, you can live a long, healthy life — and protect both yourself and your partner. At KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre in Coimbatore, we’re with you every step of the way.