How is HIV curable?

Currently, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is not considered curable in the traditional sense. While some progress has been made in managing and controlling the virus, the most common approach to treating HIV is known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).

ART involves taking a combination of medications daily to suppress the replication of HIV in the body. This helps reduce the amount of the virus in the bloodstream, strengthens the immune system, and slows the progression of the disease. As a result, people living with HIV who receive and adhere to ART can experience a near-normal life expectancy and maintain a good quality of life.

It's important to note that while ART can effectively manage HIV, it does not eliminate the virus from the body entirely. The virus remains present in certain reservoirs within the body, making it challenging to achieve a complete cure. Therefore, continuous adherence to ART is necessary to maintain control of the infection.

Researchers worldwide continue to work on potential strategies for achieving an HIV cure. One area of active research is known as "functional cure" or "sterilizing cure." A functional cure aims to achieve long-term viral suppression without the continuous need for ART. However, it is crucial to recognize that a complete cure that completely eradicates the virus from the body remains an ongoing scientific pursuit and is not yet within reach.

Nevertheless, advancements in research, such as the "Berlin Patient" case and ongoing clinical trials using innovative therapies, offer hope for the possibility of a cure for HIV in the future.