HIV+ Health Tips

Although there is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection or AIDS, people who are diagnosed with HIV can live healthy productive lives for many years. A person infected with HIV can do many things to ensure that they remain as healthy as possible. Check out some of the following recommendations:

• Get connected with a doctor who knows how to treat and/or specializes in HIV, and follow your doctor’s instructions. Keep your appointments even if you’re feeling fine.
• Be an active partner in your own health care, ask questions about anything you don’t understand; educate yourself.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed. If you have a negative reaction to the medications, call your doctor for advice and consultation.
• Don’t smoke cigarettes or use drugs and/or alcohol if you can avoid it. Your body can fight the virus more effectively if you stop smoking, using drugs and /or alcohol and anything else that might place demands on your immune system.
• Get plenty of sleep and rest.
• Exercise regularly to stay strong and fit.
• Eat a balanced diet and seek nutritional assessments from a registered dietician who specializes in HIV health.
• Learn stress-management techniques. Many people find it easier to cope with the chronic stress of living with HIV/AIDS if they have a good social support network and/or engage in prayer or meditation or some other regular, stress-reduction activity.
• Women should get a Pap test once a year. Women infected with HIV are more likely to have an abnormal Pap test than women who do not have HIV.
• Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against other diseases like Hepatitis A and B.
• Remember using condoms can still reduce the risk of contracting other STDS; as well as being in an exclusive relationship and/or asking your partner if they have or have had an STD.