ARVs reduce the amount of the virus in the blood and help the immune system work properly again to fight off infections. ARVs don't' work for everyone. Some people start too late and their immune system cannot recover. However, ARVs do work for the vast majority of people who become sick with AIDS. It is important to get tested early and have your CD4 cells counted. You must take responsibility to learn about HIV and its treatment.

Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation & Marie Stopes