How to Live With HIV/AIDS

As few as 10 years ago, AIDS was considered an automatic death sentence. From the time a person developed full-blown AIDS to the time of death was generally a couple of years or less. Thanks to new medications, the face of HIV/AIDS is changing dramatically. For a new generation, it has become a chronic condition rather than a terminal one. It can be difficult to live well with a chronic illness, but it is far from impossible. Read on to learn how to live with HIV/AIDS.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor with experience treating AIDS patients
• Counseling or support group

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn as much as possible about HIV/AIDS. If you are newly diagnosed, the book "The First Year" can be a tremendous source of help and support. You may also want to consider signing up for the AIDS Info email newsletter to receive the newest information about research and treatment. See the Resources section below for a link.

• 2

  Remember that HIV/AIDS does not have to be--and usually is not--a death sentence. With good medical care, you can live a relatively normal, healthy life.

• 3

  Find a doctor who has experience treating people with AIDS. Your family doctor may be able to recommend someone. This specialist should coordinate and oversee all your care.

• 4

  Follow the treatment regimen you and your doctor agree upon. Keep medical appointments and take medications as instructed.

• 5

  Talk with your doctor about any unpleasant side effects from the medication. There may be other medicines you can try or things you can do to ease the side effects. Never just stop taking a medication without first talking to your doctor.

• 6

  Keep up with other areas of your health, too. Eat nutritionally balanced meals, exercise at least 30 minutes three times per week, avoid recreational drugs and drinking to excess and get plenty of rest. Taking these steps will help bolster your immune system.

• 7

  Disclose your HIV/AIDS status as appropriate. People who need to know include any doctor or dentist providing health services for you, sexual partners and people with whom you have shared needles. You may also decide to tell friends and family so they can be available to support you. You are not legally required to tell your employer.

• 8

  Continue working as long as you are physically able to do so. It is easy to get depressed and discouraged when you have no job to challenge you.

• 9

  Maintain an active social schedule. You may be tired and not feel like doing as much as you used to do. That is normal. But you should avoid becoming a recluse. For instance, if you are too exhausted to go bar hopping, invite a couple of friends over to watch a movie instead.

• 10

  Monitor your emotional status. Learning to live with a chronic disease can be a challenge, and you may find yourself becoming sad, moody, or angry. Even if you are not completely convinced you need it, seek counseling or a support group for other HIV positive people through your local AIDS service organization.