Though HIV disease remains life-threatening for most infected persons, advances in medical treatment and diagnostic care are transforming the disease into a chronic manageable condition.

With five separate classes of antiviral drugs, using three or more different antivirals in combination has become a standard, and CD4 (T-cell) and viral load testing can help monitor the disease progression. Side-effects, the safety and efficacy of antiviral treatment, as well as the effects of HIV infection itself in persons who have the disease for many years, remain primary concerns for researchers and affected persons alike. While treatment remains imperfect and presents significant challenges for newly infected persons, persons with a history of taking antiviral drugs, and persons with concurrent issues such as active substance use and/or mental health issues, the long-term management of HIV disease has never looked more promising.

Like other people, people with HIV have emotional and spiritual needs. San Francisco has a wide variety of organizations that can assist people with HIV to find additionalinformation, as well as a community in which to seek support. The following phonelines can assist you to locate and access San Francisco’s broad array of services for HIV positive persons.  

Treatment information:
Project Inform

http://www.projectinform.org