Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus that attacks white blood cells (CD4 cells) in the human immune system. HIV can be transmitted from one person to another through unprotected sex or sharing needles. To determine if someone is infected with HIV, an HIV test is the only effective way. If the test results show positive, it is crucial to start treatment immediately. Without treatment, HIV will continue to develop and increase the risk of developing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The control of HIV virus can be done through the use of antiretroviral therapy. Starting treatment immediately after HIV test results show positive is very important for maintaining long-term health. Before prescribing treatment, healthcare providers will consider several factors, including the patient's medical history, overall health condition, interactions between HIV drugs and other drugs that may be consumed, potential side effects of HIV drugs, HIV drug resistance test results, ease of following the treatment plan, and other issues that may affect the patient's ability to adhere to treatment.

7 HIV life cycles: 1. Attachment stage, HIV attaches to CD4 cells in the immune system. 2. Fusion stage, HIV enters CD4 cells. 3. Reverse Transcription stage, HIV RNA is converted into HIV DNA. 4. Integration stage, HIV DNA inserts itself into CD4 cell DNA. 5. Replication stage, HIV produces long chains of HIV proteins that initiate the virus replication process inside CD4 cells. 6. Assembly stage, HIV proteins and RNA move to the surface of CD4 cells and develop into immature HIV viruses. 7. Peak stage: Immature HIV viruses exit CD4 cells and develop into infectious HIV viruses.

"Antagonist CCR5Inhibitor Fusion Inhibitor Attachment & Post-attachment Inhibitor Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTIs) Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTIs) Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTIs) Protease Inhibitor (PIs)"

Receiving a positive HIV test result often instills fear in someone. Especially because there is currently no cure that can completely heal HIV. However, with advancements in knowledge and technology, someone who is HIV positive must learn to accept the diagnosis and manage their condition well. Although there is no cure that can completely heal it, treatment can reduce the amount of virus in the body so that the viral load can reach undetectable levels within 3 to 6 months. Viral load refers to the amount of HIV virus in a person's blood. By maintaining an undetectable viral load, HIV patients can extend their life expectancy.