Management of the asymptomatic HIV-infected patient: an update.

Guidelines for initiating antiretroviral therapy in asymptomatic patients continue to be debated. Physicians and patients should decide whether drug treatment is advisable after jointly considering psychosocial issues as well as measurements of immune function and HIV burden. Other components of care include appropriate immunizations, screening for other sexually transmitted infections, safer-sex counseling, and referral for substance abuse treatment, if indicated.