HIV: from lifelong treatment to PrEP prevention
Undetectable viral load = untransmissible
Dr. Sophie Martin
Infectiologist
In simple terms
Triple therapies, long-acting injections, PrEP: what's the fight against HIV like in 2026?
A chronic controllable infection
HIV attacks the immune system (CD4 lymphocytes). Without treatment, it evolves to AIDS in a few years. With treatment, life expectancy is now almost normal.
Screening
Rapid tests, self-tests, laboratory serology. Test recommended at least once in a lifetime, more regularly in case of exposures.
Treatment
Oral triple therapies in a single pill/day (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir). Now also long-acting injections (cabotegravir/rilpivirine) every 2 months. Goal: undetectable viral load, which makes the virus untransmissible (U=U).
Prevention: PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (tenofovir/emtricitabine, or injectable cabotegravir) prevents infection in exposed individuals. Now also lenacapavir as a bi-annual injection (spectacular results in 2024). Condoms remain essential for other STIs.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
- Screening
- A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is HIV: from lifelong treatment to PrEP prevention?
- Triple therapies, long-acting injections, PrEP: what's the fight against HIV like in 2026?
- What are the main symptoms or signs of HIV: from lifelong treatment to PrEP prevention?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for HIV: from lifelong treatment to PrEP prevention?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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