<s>[INST] How long does it take for HIV to cause AIDS? [/INST] On average, the untreated HIV infected patient will progress to AIDS in about 5-10 years.  Since 1996, the introduction of powerful anti-retroviral therapies has dramatically changed the natural progression of HIV infection to the development of AIDS. These drugs and advancements in other medical treatments can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS.  While HIV infection cannot at present be cured, patients that are newly diagnosed with HIV that stay in care can be expected to have near normal life expectancies if they take their medications.  As with other chronic diseases, early detection of infection allows for more options for treatment and preventive health care. Source: OEPS. Link: https://oeps.wv.gov/hiv-aids/pages/hiv-aids_faq.aspx. Field: Infectious Disease. Disease: HIV </s>