HIV AIDS cure, symptoms & treatment: daily pill can prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals

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The human immunodeficiency virus or HIV usually attacks the immune system of the afflicted, making them susceptible to other illnesses and worsening their health condition. Incidentally, about 50 percent are aware of their condition, that is why experts are trying their best to find a cure to prevent the spread of the disease. Fortunately, it looks like a new pill may be the solution the medical world is waiting for.

According to the New York Times, a study done by Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, California has discovered that upon daily intake of a drug called Truvada, none of their subjects have been infected with HIV in a span of two years. Dr. Jonathan E. Volk, the lead study author and an epidemiologist, explains that pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP can be what high-risk individuals need to prevent the infection from spreading.

This is where the controversy begins as critics believe this drug will only promote the non-use of condoms and other protective methods, making it impossible for PrEP to work in the real world. However, as Truvada aids in the reduction of HIV in the blood of infected patients, it can actually reduce the possibility of contracting the disease. Furthermore, Truvada has been given the green light by the FDA in 2012, making it credible and effective.

The study, which was published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, made use of 657 subjects who were HIV negative, mostly homosexuals and are considered high-risk patients. The subjects took Truvada on a daily basis for almost three years, during which none of them contracted HIV, although they developed other sexually transmitted diseases.

The medical world is excited about the news because while most other sexual diseases can be treated by antibiotics, HIV has no cure so far, except for a lifetime intake of antiretroviral drugs.

Mitchell Warren, the director of AVAC, an organization that supports AIDS prevention, says he believes the results of the study may prove that PreEP can work in the real-world.

However, Youth Health Mag reports that there are limitations of the study, with it being an observational instead of clinical research. Truvada also has serious side effects, like harming the bones and kidney. But, Dr. Volk and his team believe that the effectiveness of PrEP is already proven outside of clinical studies.