In 1996, the total life expectancy for a 20-year-old person with HIV was 39 years. In 2011, the total life expectancy bumped up to about 70 years. The survival rate for HIV-positive people has also dramatically improved since the first days of the HIV epidemic.

What is the best ARV combination?

Summary of Guidelines for Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection. note: Recommended nucleoside analog combinations are as follows: zidovudine + lamivudine; zidovudine + didanosine; zidovudine + zalcitabine; stavudine + lamivudine; or didanosine + stavudine.

Can I take ARV while pregnant?

Yes. All pregnant women with HIV should take HIV medicines throughout pregnancy for their own health and to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. (HIV medicines are called antiretrovirals.)