What are the goals of antivirals related to HIV/AIDS treatment?

The primary goals of antiviral treatment in the context of HIV/AIDS are to slow the progression of the disease and minimize the symptoms associated with it. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not eliminate the HIV virus from the body but significantly reduces its replication; this allows individuals to maintain a healthier immune system and prolongs life expectancy.

By effectively managing viral loads and maintaining them at undetectable levels, these therapies help prevent the transition from HIV to AIDS, thereby improving the quality of life for those living with the virus. Additionally, long-term use of ART helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others, which is a crucial public health goal.

The other options imply either an unrealistic outcome, such as curing the infection or eliminating the virus entirely, which current treatments do not achieve yet. The goal of increasing viral load contradicts the therapeutic objectives of antiretrovirals, which aim to reduce viral load as a measure of effective treatment.