routine Treatment:

There is no cure for AIDS at this time. However, treatments are available that can improve the quality of life of those suffering the infection.

Antiviral therapy suppresses the replication of the HIV infection in the body. Retrovir, also called Zidovudine or AZT, is an antiviral agent most frequently used in treatment for AIDS.

Saquinavir, manufactured under the trade name Invirase, has recently been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of AIDS. It is the first to be approved in a new group of drugs claimed to be 10 times stronger than existing antivirals used in AIDS treatment.

Other antiviral agents are in investigational stages. Hematopoietic stimulating factors are sometimes used to treat anemia and low white blood cell counts associated with AIDS.

Preventive measures to avoid opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is possible with medications and can keep AIDS patients healthier for longer periods of time. Opportunistic infections are treated as they occur.

The emotional stress of devastating illnesses can often be helped by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems. See AIDS - support group. 

Prognosis:

At the present time, there is no cure for AIDS. It has proved to be a universally fatal illness. Few patients survive 5 years following diagnosis. The average time from diagnosis of AIDS to death is 18 to 24 months although this is increasing with improvements in treatment techniques. Research continues in drug treatments for AIDS and vaccine development.