由 home-healthhaven 
It’s been known for a long time that HIV is incurable with current medical treatments. Despite years of progress in HIV/AIDS research, no definitive cure has been found. However, treatments have helped many people manage their symptoms and maintain hope.
Some HIV patients have reached a state considered “functionally cured.” Let’s break down what that means and how it’s achieved.
### What is Functional Cure Vs. Real Cure?
To avoid giving false hope, it’s important to clarify what “functional cure” means. In some cases, treatment has reduced the disease to a level where it’s no longer harmful. These patients still have tiny amounts of HIV in their bodies, so they’re not cured in the traditional sense. However, they’re free from the negative effects of the disease.
Unless new treatments emerge, these patients will carry HIV for the rest of their lives but won’t experience the daily symptoms. This notable change in their condition is referred to as being “functionally cured,” even though it doesn’t meet the strict medical definition of a cure.
### How Were They Treated?
Fourteen adults achieved a functional cure through an antiviral medication regimen. This regimen is similar to what’s used in late-stage HIV treatment but was administered very early in the infection. The key was starting the therapy when the virus was almost undetectable. If treated so early, the disease can be pushed to near non-existence. However, it’s very challenging to diagnose HIV at this early stage.
Researchers found that early treatment can be highly effective, reducing the disease to a point where it’s unlikely to resurface. They estimated that around 15% of people receiving early-stage treatment could experience these results. This means the early-stage antiviral treatment isn’t universally effective but can significantly improve life quality for some people, making it a worthwhile option.
### The Miracle Baby Case
In 2013, a baby born with HIV was reported to be functionally cured at 2 ½ years old. The baby received antiviral treatment shortly after birth, continued for about a month. Two years later, the baby was classified as functionally cured—one of the first cases of early antiviral treatment working for such a young patient. Previously, bone marrow transplants had shown similar success, marking a new era in HIV treatment.
### Hope for Most HIV Patients
For those not treated early, there’s still good news. While they might not achieve functional cure status, they can manage their symptoms effectively with regular medication—generally a once-daily pill. This regimen helps keep symptoms mild, allowing patients to live much longer, healthier lives than previously expected.
Modern treatments for HIV have come a long way, transforming the outlook for those with the disease. The idea of significantly shortened lifespans due to HIV is becoming a thing of the past, thanks to these effective treatments.