By: Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center

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Finding out you have HIV can feel like a lot at first. 🫂 It’s completely okay to have questions, fears, or even feel a bit unsure about what comes next. But one thing experts agree on? 🤔 Starting treatment for HIV as soon as possible is key to protecting your health.

Let's dive into why acting quickly makes a big difference, and how it helps you take control of your journey. 🏃

What does rapid start of treatment for HIV mean?

A rapid start means beginning HIV medication shortly after being diagnosed — sometimes even on the same day. 😮 This approach skips long waiting periods and aims to get you on antiretroviral therapy (ART) as quickly as possible.

ART is a combination of medications that work together to lower the amount of HIV in your body. By reducing the virus, ART helps your immune system recover and function better, protecting you from infections and other health problems.

Sticking to ART consistently not only keeps you healthy but can lower your viral load to undetectable levels, meaning the virus becomes untransmittable through sex. “Undetectable equals Untransmittable” (U=U) is what we’re all about — treatment is not just about managing the virus, but also about living a full and healthy life.

What happens at a rapid start appointment, when starting for treatment for HIV?

Every doctor’s office, hospital or clinic has their own way of setting up patients for HIV treatment. Many have rapid start as a regular part of these important first visits. Some places also call this a “rapid initiation” of treatment.

Long story short, if you have labs that confirm an HIV diagnosis, and don’t have any opportunistic infections or other big medical concerns, rapid start may be for you. Your doctor will take a medical history and order lab work. You might meet a social worker or case manager that will help you through your first visits.

Once you get an all-clear from the doctor, you’ll be good to take your first dose. Clinics that have their own pharmacy can get your first month of meds filled during your appointment. This means you can take your first dose right away. It’s called a rapid start for a reason… everyone is moving fast to get you on meds! It comes with some big advantages, too.

Why is it important to start treatment for HIV quickly?

By starting treatment right away, people with HIV get huge benefits for their health, such as:

• Protecting the immune system: Starting treatment early helps keep the immune system strong and ready to fight off infections. 💪🏾
• Reducing viral load: Treatment helps bring the virus in blood down to undetectable levels, meaning it can’t be passed to others through sex. 💊
• Improving overall health: Getting on medication quickly can reduce symptoms and lower the risk of other health issues. ✅
• Gives peace of mind: Taking steps toward managing health helps people with HIV feel more empowered and in control. 🧘

What if you’re feeling worried about starting treatment for HIV?

Processing a new diagnosis doesn’t happen overnight. It’s natural to feel this way. 💖 Remember, by starting meds quickly, you’ll know that your body is working towards U=U. It takes a little weight off your back.

You don’t have to go through this alone, either. Communities like Positive Peers are also here to provide support. If you want to hear from people living with HIV directly, why not check out our Tales of Triumph series? It’s a collection of real people’s experiences with having HIV.

How to make starting treatment for HIV easier

Once you’re ready and your doctor has given you the a-okay, it’s time to start your treatment plan! Here are a few things to keep in mind on your journey:

• Learn about your medication: Understanding what you’re taking and how it works can help you feel more confident. 💊 Feel free to ask your doctor as many questions as you like, or read up on resources like our blog, here!
• Stay connected to an HIV clinic: Regular check-ins can help monitor your progress and answer any questions you have.
• Celebrate your progress: Every step toward better health is worth celebrating. 🎉 A huge part of your HIV journey is about caring for your mind, body, and spirit, and taking the time to track your wins is a big part of that!

Starting treatment for HIV is a powerful step toward a healthy future. 🌈 There’s a whole community of people living full, happy lives with HIV who can support and encourage you every step of the way.

One place to start is to download the Positive Peers app, which connects you with a caring community, access to helpful information, and help with finding the resources you need. ❤️