At the beginning of the third millennium, we are still without medicines which can cure HIV infection or AIDS. There is no vaccine to prevent new HIV infections or slow down the progress of the disease, either.

In developed countries, HIV infection has become a chronic condition that can be controlled by disciplined taking of medicines and regular specialist controls.

It is very important that infection is discovered as soon as possible.

In the last few years, early diagnosis of HIV infection and contemporary treatment - Highly Active Anti Retroviral Treatment (HAART) – have successfully maintained a satisfactory immune system, and the combination of drugs slows down the reproduction of the virus and thus enables a higher quality of life for those infected, with the life expectancy of AIDS patients having essentially increased, too. These encouraging results are nevertheless not a reason for risky sexual behaviour.

The fact is that AIDS, as a rule, is a lethal disease and that there is no vaccination against HIV virus. Once you become infected, the infection cannot be cured and you must live with it for your entire life.