In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joel Gallant discuss the history and evolution of HIV treatment and prevention. He highlights the changes of treatment from early AZT, to the extensive multi-drug regimens of the 90s, and the current single-pill treatment with minimal side effects. They also discuss the racial and regional disparities of new HIV cases in the US. Despite progress, challenges persist, including stigma, lack of healthcare access, and resistance to treatments. Dr. Gallant also gives more information on hope for ending the epidemic and hope for a cure.
Key Takeaways:
With early diagnosis and treatment of HIV, AIDS is not commonly seen anymore, though it still exists.
“HIV is a retrovirus, meaning that it has enzymes that allow it to transcribe RNA into DNA, the reverse of the usual process in which DNA is transcribed into RNA. The viral DNA can then be inserted into the DNA of human cells.
With more research, we’ve seen a steady improvement with more, safer drug choices, and better and easier combinations. Most people can be treated with a single pill once a day and are expected to live a normal lifespan in good health.
In the US, no one has to go without treatment based on inability to pay. Even people who are uninsured and live in states that didn't expand Medicaid can get comprehensive HIV care, including medications, through clinics established by the Federal Ryan White Care Program.
"We do know that treatment is highly effective at preventing transmission, including sexual and mother-to-child transmission. It’s so effective that the CDC says that if your viral load (how we measure how much virus there is in your blood) is fully suppressed on treatment (having an undetectable virus) then you cannot transmit HIV. Treatment is 100% effective as prevention." — Dr. Joel Gallant
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