This Gilead website is intended for US audiences only.

En Español
Stop the virus logo.
Start HIV treatment as soon as possible.

Starting
HIV treatment
as
soon
as possible

Model portrayals

Starting HIV treatment quickly has health benefits

Research shows that starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis can offer important health benefits. One of the most important benefits is getting your viral load to undetectable more quickly.

Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. Starting treatment right away, and staying on it, may help you:

  • Get to undetectable quickly
  • Reduce the damage HIV does inside your body
  • Improve long-term health outcomes

Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment right away. Treatment may help you get to undetectable sooner than you thought possible.

Learn more about what it
means to be undetectable

When do i start treatment?

You can start treatment as soon as your healthcare provider (HCP) recommends it. Some treatments can even be started the same day that you are diagnosed. You may hear this called rapid start.

Find an HCP near me
Understanding Rapid Start.

People featured are compensated by Gilead.

HIV Treatment: Understanding Rapid Start

People featured are compensated by Gilead.

RAPID START

Today, effective treatment for HIV is available to you shortly after diagnosis. In fact, there are options that can even be started the same day as you are diagnosed. You may hear this called “rapid start” or “rapid treatment initiation.” Talking to your healthcare provider is the first step to getting you on treatment.

As our understanding of HIV evolved, healthcare providers understood that it was better to start treatment as soon as possible. Some of today’s treatments may be able to be started right away. Today’s treatments can be simple to take and effective. With treatment, people living with HIV can live longer, healthier lives. And research says the best thing to do is start treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can work toward your treatment goals. The sooner you are on treatment, the sooner you can reduce the amount of virus in your body, thereby helping restore your immune system.

Learn about other important health benefits and how you can live a longer, healthier life on HIV treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about the importance of starting treatment as soon as possible. Learn about the benefits of starting treatment at HelpStopTheVirus.com.

FEATURED VIDEO

HIV TREATMENT: UNDERSTANDING RAPID
START

With today’s HIV treatment options, it’s possible to start treatment right away—even as soon as the same day you’re diagnosed. You may hear this called “rapid start” or “rapid treatment initiation.” The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you may reach undetectable.

How does getting to an undetectable viral load impact my life?

People living with HIV can lead longer and healthier lives with treatment. There are many treatment options available. And starting treatment right away for some, even on the same day as diagnosis, can have important health benefits.

With treatment, you can reach and stay undetectable, which means there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. Current research shows that taking HIV treatment as prescribed and getting to an undetectable viral load and staying undetectable prevents transmitting HIV to others through sex.

Remember to take your treatment as prescribed, stay engaged in care, and take care of yourself to help you live well with HIV.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

No questions are off-limits, and it’s great to come prepared. Here are some questions to copy and save for your visit.

  • How long have you been treating people with HIV?
  • What is your approach to treating HIV?
  • How can we partner together to create a treatment plan that can work for me?
  • How often can I contact you with questions or concerns? What’s the best time? If you’re not available, who should I call?
  • Do you have anything I can read for more information? Which websites do you recommend I check out?
Icon copy

Take a screenshot or copy these questions to your clipboard

Educating Myself on HIV Treatment.

People featured are compensated by Gilead.

EDUCATING MYSELF ON HIV TREATMENT

People featured are compensated by Gilead.

ADRENA: I understand that, you know, you would be afraid of side effects. I was, too.

I just, I didn’t know.

If you have any questions, concerns, talk to your doctor.

Educate yourself about the medication. And then maybe you’ll feel better about it.

You take care of yourself, your body will take care of you. That’s just how I feel about it.

Because you have a longer ... a longer life to live.

FEATURED VIDEO

EDUCATING MYSELF ON HIV TREATMENT

Adrena was concerned about HIV medication side effects. What would happen? How would they impact her life? What she discovered may not be what you expect. Watch the video to hear Adrena’s HIV story.

banner img
FIND OUT WHAT TO CONSIDER IN AN HIV TREATMENT