HIV is treated with ARVs (antiretrovirals) and millions of people in South Africa are on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART).

• If you are living with HIV, ask your HCP how to start ARVs as soon as possible.
• Take your ARVs every day (As prescribed by your HCP).
• The same dose of ARVs needs to be taken at the same time every day.
• ARVs can reduce the amount of HIV in your blood and sexual fluids.
• ARVs will keep your body strong and healthy and prevent you from getting other illnesses.
• You will need to take your ARVs for the rest of your life just like people who have other chronic health conditions, e.g., diabetes/ hypertension.
• ARVs are free at the public health facility/clinic.
  
• ARVs, when taken correctly, will help you live a long healthy life
• The HCP will tell you when you need to come for blood tests. These are important to see how the ARV treatment is working in your body.
• The HCP will tell you when to return to the clinic to get the test resul

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Step 3: Take A Viral Load Test.

The next important step is to visit the clinic 6 months after starting your ARVs to take a viral load. Click here to learn more.

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