We've come a long way since the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. There are now over 20 individual HIV drugs, known as antiretrovirals (ARVs), on the market to treat this disease, along with several combination drugs (pills that combine two or three ARVs), and more are on the way. What's more, we've learned a lot about when and how to use available medications much more easily and effectively—and with fewer side effects. Most researchers and doctors believe that HIV can be effectively treated for decades, permitting a normal lifespan for many.

Whether you've just found out that you're HIV-positive or you've known for years and just want to learn more about your treatment options, it's important to know that fighting HIV isn't like treating a cold. It can still be very complicated. But if you're here, you're taking the right first step—you're starting to take charge of your health and learn about your treatment options.

The most important second step? Take a deep breath. Relax. You're in this for the long haul, and most of what you need to learn about right away is very easy.

Just click the "Next" button for a guided tour of all our easy-to-read treatment lessons, or use the index on each page to jump to a specific topic or lesson.