HIV vaccine. A vaccine offers active acquired protection against a specific infectious disease. A vaccination often comprises a substance that resembles a virus that causes a disease. It can be produced through a bacteria’s weaker or dead variants, its toxins, or one of its surface proteins.
Currently, vaccines are available for 18 dangerous to deadly diseases..
Is There a Vaccine to Prevent HIV?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent HIV. However, research into developing a vaccine is going on, and once successful, it will be a significant step towards preventing the spread of HIV.
There has been a few unsuccessful vaccine trials so far. For example, two large trials of candidate vaccines were closed in February 2020 and August 2021 due to a lack of effectiveness. A third large trial is still going on along with many others in the pipeline. However, FDA has not approved any of them so far.
Why Do We Need a Vaccine to Prevent HIV?
The answer to this question is quite simple. We need to eradicate the virus as soon a possible.
Developing a preventive vaccine against HIV is challenging because of the virus’ unique properties. Although we cannot anticipate an effective vaccination anytime soon, most researchers see it as an achievable long-term goal subjected to the success of many related studies.
However, most scientists predict that these HIV vaccines may be very similar to the COVID-19 vaccines, and need regular booster doses. Over time, vaccine efficacy may improve and protect us longer.
HIV Drugs and Treatment
Although there are no vaccines, there are many medications that can suppress the growth of HIV virus. We cannot call them a “cure” for HIV, but perhaps a support to lead a normal life with the virus. HIV patients must depend on these medications until we find a vaccine.
Here are some types of HIV medicines and drugs you can take for treatment:
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Protease Inhibitors
- Fusion Inhibitors
- CCR5 Antagonists
- Attachment Inhibitors
- Post-Attachment Inhibitors
- Pharmacokinetic Enhancers
- Combination HIV Medicines
Border Free Health offers different HIV medications. You may visit our website for more information about the other HIV drugs used for treatment.