The newly discovered HIV variant raises many questions about the effectiveness of current treatment methods and the reliability of HIV testing.
Fortunately, current AIDS inhibitors appear to be effective against the new HIV variant. This is reassuring news for many, as treatments available for existing variants also offer results in this more aggressive form.
There is also good news on the diagnostic front: the new variant can be detected with existing HIV tests. This means that no modifications are needed to current testing methods.
The importance of early detection cannot be stressed enough, especially with a variant that is more rapidly progressive. If you have been at risk, getting tested is essential. Timely treatment can prevent the development of AIDS and ensure a life expectancy similar to that of uninfected individuals.