Originally published 26 November 2014. Editorially updated 13 October 2026. This article is general information and is not personalised medical advice.

What has changed since 2014?

When this article was first published, some treatment decisions were based on a person’s CD4 count, and research was still assessing the benefits of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) earlier. That is no longer the UK approach. Modern evidence supports offering ART to everyone diagnosed with HIV, regardless of CD4 count.

When is antiretroviral treatment recommended?

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) recommends that all people living with HIV should receive ART and be offered the opportunity to start within two to four weeks of diagnosis, with individual circumstances and readiness taken into account. Specialist teams may recommend starting sooner in appropriate situations. The choice of treatment and monitoring should be discussed with an HIV specialist.

Why prompt treatment matters

Effective ART suppresses the virus, protects the immune system and helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives. When treatment maintains an undetectable viral load, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. This is known as U=U — Undetectable = Untransmittable. Adherence and regular clinical monitoring remain important.

What if you have just been exposed to HIV?

If a possible exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, do not wait for a routine test or appointment. Contact an NHS sexual-health clinic or A&E immediately for advice about PEP. Someone diagnosed with HIV should not stop or alter ART without their specialist team.

HIV care and testing in Canary Wharf

Read about HIV and sexual-health assessments and sexual-health services. For routine private consultations, visit appointments; ongoing HIV treatment should be managed with an appropriate specialist service.

Sources and subsequent developments

The 2014 article discussed CD4 counts of 350–500 and concerns about starting treatment earlier. It has been superseded by the evidence informing the BHIVA antiretroviral treatment guidelines (2025 interim update) and the NHS guidance on HIV. CD4 thresholds quoted in the original article must not be used to delay modern HIV care.