However, STRs are encouraged (“Single Tablet Regimen”, a triple therapy combined in a single tablet). Therefore, when possible after sustained virological control, therapeutic reduction is recommended. Particularly through injectable treatments when possible (injections every 2 months),
Furthermore, for TPE, less expensive and better tolerated alternatives, such as DelStrigo or triple therapy based on Doravirine, are favored.
Is HIV still an obstacle to pregnancy or breastfeeding?
TC : Currently, treatment with Dolutegravir is providing reassuring data to facilitate the treatment of pregnant women. It can be used without fear during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, it is now possible under certain conditions: optimal virological control of the mother and a proposal for prolonged antiviral prophylaxis for the infant throughout the duration of breastfeeding to prevent any risk of residual transmission.
“The HIV test without a prescription is mainly used by 25/49 year olds at 44% and only 12% of those under 25”
In 2023, 7.5 million HIV serologies were carried out in France, a marked increase compared to 2022. Is this screening effective and well oriented?
TC : The number of HIV screening tests has recovered from its post-COVID delay to 7,513,155 tests in 2023 with a rather good distribution in the territory outside the Loire Valley and Burgundy.
For those who are familiar with resources such as CeGIDD or the “Test without prescription” system, screening is relatively easy to access. However, the test without a prescription is mainly used by 25/49 year olds at 44% and only 12% of those under 25.
In addition, key populations, often far from the health system, remain under-screened. These tests are sometimes carried out “outside the walls” thanks to community associations and CeGIDD. In 2023, 11,753 positive serologies were recorded, but the real challenge remains accessibility for vulnerable populations.
“HIV remains a chronic infection that can become a disease if not properly treated”
43% of HIV infections were discovered at a late stageit is 27% at an advanced stage and 16% at a late non-advanced stage. Faced with these developments, do you have the feeling that people fear HIV less? what message should we send to our patients?
TC : It’s quite difficult to say, the fear is different depending on the socio-ethnic characteristics of the people. In terms of prevention and treatment, there is undoubtedly a big problem with information and learning to manage one’s own health.
HIV is still present, that is the key message. Therefore, we must continue to fight to reduce its incidence. For this, two actions are central: protecting yourself as much as possible with PrEP and having your HIV risk assessed by professionals, whether by associations or the medical community. Patients should not hesitate to consult for the vaccinations necessary to protect their sexual and overall health.
HIV remains a chronic infection which can become an illness if it is not properly treated, it is less serious than diabetes but with a still important taboo whose issues do not only concern the patient himself but the community in which he or she lives.
An HIV infection requires the patient to be involved in their health because the more involved the person is, the less burden will be placed on care (switching to injectables, etc.).
