PrEP is a preventive treatment for people who are HIV-negative but at higher risk of exposure. It uses antiretroviral medications that block the virus from entering immune cells and replicating, helping prevent infection if exposure occurs.

This treatment helps to:

• Shorten the window of vulnerability before potential exposure
• Reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed
• Lower the risk of HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%
• Provide an additional layer of protection alongside other preventive measures
• Support long-term HIV prevention strategies

What to expect during treatment?

Protection depends on consistent use and regular medical follow-up.

• Maximum protection is typically reached after about 7 days for receptive anal sex and about 21 days for receptive vaginal sex or injection drug use.
• Routine HIV testing and follow-up visits are usually required every 3 months.
• Some people experience mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, or stomach pain, which often improve over time.
• Options may include daily pills or long-acting injections administered by a healthcare provider.

IV fluids are sterile solutions given through a vein to replace lost fluids, balance electrolytes, and support the body during illness. In infectious disease care, they are often used for patients with dehydration, high fever, severe diarrhea, or sepsis. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Rehydrate the body quickly 

• Restore electrolyte balance 

• Maintain blood pressure and circulation 

• Support recovery during severe infections 

• Deliver medications or nutrients directly into the bloodstream 

What to expect during treatment? 

IV fluids are usually given in a hospital or clinic. The duration depends on the patient’s condition. 

• Rapid improvement in hydration and energy 

• Relief from dizziness, weakness, or fatigue 

• Mild discomfort at the IV site may occur 

• Continuous monitoring for response and safety 

Combination therapies involve using different drugs at the same time to treat infectious diseases. By targeting the infection in multiple ways, they increase effectiveness, lower the chance of resistance, and improve patient outcomes. Common examples include HIV treatment with multiple antiretrovirals or tuberculosis therapy with several antibiotics. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Increase effectiveness compared to single-drug therapy 

• Reduce the risk of drug resistance 

• Control complex or chronic infections like HIV or TB 

• Shorten treatment duration in some cases 

• Improve long-term patient outcomes 

What to expect during treatment? 

Patients may take multiple medications daily, sometimes for long periods. 

• Better infection control and symptom relief 

• Possible mild side effects such as nausea or fatigue 

• Careful monitoring to adjust doses and manage interactions 

• Regular follow-ups to ensure treatment success 

Antivirals are medicines that help control viral infections such as influenza, hepatitis, herpes, and COVID-19. They don’t kill viruses directly but interfere with their ability to reproduce, helping the body fight the infection more effectively. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Shorten the duration of viral illnesses 

• Reduce severity of symptoms like fever, pain, or fatigue 

• Prevent complications such as pneumonia or liver damage 

• Lower the risk of spreading infection to others 

• Manage chronic viral conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV 

What to expect during treatment? 

Results vary depending on the virus and how early treatment begins. 

• Relief of symptoms within days for acute infections 

• Fewer outbreaks for chronic viral diseases 

• Possible mild side effects like nausea, headache, or fatigue 

• Regular monitoring may be required for long-term therapies 

ART is the daily use of a combination of antiretroviral drugs to control HIV infection. These medicines don’t cure HIV but help lower viral load, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of transmission. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Suppress HIV viral load to undetectable levels 

• Improve immune function and CD4 count 

• Reduce the risk of HIV-related illnesses and complications 

• Prevent transmission to partners and infants 

• Improve life expectancy and quality of life 

What to expect during treatment? 

ART is lifelong, and consistency is key for success. Side effects vary depending on the medication but are often manageable. 

• Noticeable improvement in health within months 

• Some mild side effects like nausea, fatigue, or headaches 

• Possible metabolic changes or weight gain over time 

• Regular blood tests to monitor viral load and immune response 

Antifungals are medicines that fight fungal infections affecting the skin, nails, mouth, lungs, or bloodstream. They can be applied topically, taken orally, or given intravenously for severe infections. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Eliminate fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections 

• Treat serious systemic infections such as aspergillosis or candidiasis 

• Relieve symptoms like itching, redness, or discomfort 

• Prevent complications in patients with weakened immune systems 

What to expect during treatment? 

Improvement may take days to weeks depending on the infection’s severity and location. 

• Relief from itching, irritation, or pain 

• Gradual clearing of skin or nail changes 

• Possible mild side effects like nausea, headache, or stomach upset 

• Longer follow-up needed for systemic or recurring infections 

Antibiotics are drugs that target bacteria causing infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and more. They can be taken orally, by injection, or intravenously, depending on the severity of the condition. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Eliminate bacterial infections 

• Reduce symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling 

• Prevent complications such as sepsis or organ damage 

• Stop the spread of infection to others 

What to expect during treatment? 

Patients often feel better within a few days, but it’s important to finish the full course to ensure complete recovery. 

• Gradual relief of symptoms 

• Possible mild side effects like nausea or diarrhea 

• Rare allergic reactions such as rash 

• Follow-up may be needed for severe or resistant infections 

Anti-parasitics are medicines that eliminate or control infections caused by worms, protozoa (like malaria or giardiasis), and external parasites such as lice or scabies. Treatment can be a single dose or a longer course, depending on the infection. 

This treatment helps to: 

• Remove intestinal worms 

• Treat protozoal infections like malaria or giardiasis 

• Control lice, scabies, and other infestations 

• Prevent complications and recurrence 

• Improve overall health and quality of life 

What to expect after treatment? 

Most patients feel better within days. Mild side effects may occur but are usually short-lived. 

• Relief of symptoms such as itching, fever, or abdominal pain 

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort 

• Temporary fatigue or headache 

• Possible follow-up tests to confirm the infection is cleared