HIV Disease and AIDS

HIV infection is a chronic, progressive disease that is linked to AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is characterized by the destruction of important immune cells in the body, called T cells. This leaves the patient open to opportunistic infections that can result in death. To learn more about HIV and AIDS, click the links below.

 HIV Disease and AIDS: Keys to Understanding and Coping

The dynamics of HIV infection are best described as a balance between the number of virus particles and the number of T cells present in the body at a given time. Higher numbers of virus particles and lower T cell counts in the body are likely to result in disease progression. Treatment with anti-HIV medications aims at decreasing the virus population, leading to a better quality of life for the person with HIV.

 You & Your Anti-HIV Therapy: Making It Work for You Today and Tomorrow

The goal of any anti-HIV therapy is to maximally suppress growth of the virus population for the longest possible time in order to keep the disease in check. This is possible both through understanding the role of therapy and by adhering to it.

 Managing HIV Disease: Getting the Most from Your Therapy

HIV belongs to a class of viruses known as retroviruses. Like other viruses, HIV uses the cells in the body to make more copies of itself. In response, the body's immune system mounts an attack on the virus and produces specific antibodies as a defense mechanism. Antiretrovirals are medications which help the body fight HIV. Different classes of antiretroviral medications tackle HIV at various stages of its development. Learn more about these drugs, how to better manage anti-HIV therapy and how the body's fight against HIV disease is measured by clicking the link above.


For more information, you may also visit the Canadian Medical Association Web site where you will find several Clinical Practice Guidelines available on the treatment of HIV and AIDS (in the Clinical Immunology and Allergy section):

 Therapeutic Guidelines for the Treatment of HIV/AIDS and Related Conditions

 Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection

 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adolescents and adults

	Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is pleased to provide this information as part of its Commitment to Therapy Program (CTP). The program provides resources to help persons with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) benefit fully from their anti-HIV therapy on a day-to-day basis. The CTP offers information to help these individuals better understand the disease and anti-HIV medications, as well as tools which help to sort and manage these medications.