Why is it important that infectious disease specialists be involved in the care of pregnant people living with HIV?

Infectious disease specialists are imperative when it comes to prescribing medications which can help to achieve rapid and sustained viral suppression. Infectious disease specialists are experienced in identifying possible drug interactions, monitoring for signs of drug toxicity and managing the troubling side effects which sometimes hinder medical compliance with antiretroviral therapies. Finally, it is important that persons living with HIV who have severely compromised immune systems be monitored by infectious disease specialists for the possible development of opportunistic infections and to receive appropriate prophylactic medications.