How Can HIV Positive People Stay Healthy?

HIV-positive people should take a number of different steps to maintain their immune health as well as their overall health. In addition to managing the effects of HIV by taking antiretroviral medicines that target the virus, a number of lifestyle decisions can support the continued well-being of people living with HIV. Additional treatments are necessary when AIDS develops, which is the fourth stage of HIV, as there is no cure for HIV/AIDS.

Antiretroviral Medications

• People who have been diagnosed with HIV must visit their doctors periodically so the progression of HIV can be monitored. This is done through viral load testing and testing for the level of CD4 cells, which are a type of immune cell invaded by HIV. Based on CD4 cells counts, according to Avert.org, doctors and patients can work together to make decisions about when it is appropriate to begin antiretroviral therapy. It is initiated after the immune system has been damaged by the virus before AIDS develops.

  All antiretroviral medications must be taken exactly as prescribed. Missing doses or going off antiretroviral therapy without a physician's advice can contribute to antiretroviral resistance where the drugs will no longer work to combat HIV for that individual.

  Report side effects to your doctor so they can be weighed against the treatment's effectiveness. All antiretroviral drugs are associated with some side effects, which may lead to a change in treatment. Continued viral load and CD4 testing also can help establish whether or not the drug regimen is working.

Diet and Exercise

• Diet and exercise are two important elements of maintaining health for those with HIV. The Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) reports that exercise can help boost muscle mass, regulate diet and sleep as well as improving one's self image.

  A host of issues, ranging from intestinal infection to the effects of antiretroviral drugs can make proper nutrition difficult for people living with HIV. Margo Woods, DSc, et al., of Tufts University, recommend a diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, legumes and limited sweets. Nutritional supplements can help HIV-positive people balance nutrient intake levels. Additionally, people with HIV should not smoke, as it can worsen the effects of some opportunistic infections and suppresses overall health.

Managing Advanced HIV Disease

• People living with advanced HIV should report all new symptoms as soon as possible so opportunistic infections can be diagnosed and treatment can be begun promptly. Some of these conditions respond well to treatment with antiretroviral medications, while others must be targeted more specifically (as with antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medications) or treatment for cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma or cervical cancer.