When it comes to treating a virus like HIV, correct adherence to antiretroviral treatment has two objectives. Firstly, to control the viral infection and thus prevent its progression to AIDS. But also to prevent the emergence of HIV strains resistant to the drugs in the scheme.
Unlike the treatment of other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, in the case of HIV, a period of poor adherence to pills can be decisive for the selection of resistant viruses, making that therapeutic regimen forever ineffective at a later time when the correct membership is resumed.
Therefore, the better and more continuous adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment, the greater and longer lasting its effect will be in controlling this infection.
In extreme situations like the current one in Rio Grande do Sul, where entire services specialized in monitoring people living with HIV/AIDS have their offices and pharmacies underwater, there are some recommendations on what to do to reduce the risk of selection of resistance to antiretrovirals, and what should not be done at all, as it increases the risk of resistance occurring.
Starting with recommendations on what you should do:
Don’t give up trying to get your medicine. If you give up, you won’t regret it in the future. By guaranteeing antiretroviral treatment, routine appointments can be rescheduled without significant harm.
Tags: treatment HIV climate catastrophe
