Getting a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS can be deeply upsetting and frightening. Fortunately, with proper medical treatment, you can live a full, healthy life with HIV. In addition to taking medications to manage your condition, you can increase your health and quality of life by practicing good self-care, such as exercising and eating well. Since dealing with HIV/AIDS often takes a toll on your emotional health, it’s also important to reach out to your loved ones or a professional for help and support. However you may feel about your diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, remember that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone.
- Create a daily routine for taking your medications. Keeping up with a daily medication regimen can be difficult. To help you stay on top of your medications, work on establishing a consistent routine. Try to take your medicines at the same time each day. You might also find it helpful to
Use a 7-day pillbox so that you can keep track of your daily doses throughout the week.
Download an app that can send you reminders and help you track your medication use, such as the Medi safe Medication Management app or the Mango Health app.
Ask a family member or friend to remind you to take your medication.
If you plan to travel, make sure to take enough medication with you to last you through the trip. - Eat a healthy diet. Eating well will increase your energy levels and help boost your immune system. To stay your healthiest, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like white poultry meat, fish, and beans). Ask your doctor or a dietitian if you’re not sure what foods are best for you.
There’s evidence that certain dietary supplements, such as whey protein and acetyl-L-carnitine, may reduce some of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and strengthen your immune system. Talk to your doctor before trying any supplements, however, since some of them may interfere with your medications.
Let your doctor know if you have any concerns about your weight or appetite. - Avoid contaminated food or water. When you have HIV/AIDS, you have a greater risk of getting sick from eating foods or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Make sure any food you eat is properly washed, prepared, and cooked, and stick to drinking bottled or filtered water. You can also stay safe by.
Avoiding raw foods, like sushi, raw eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products and juices.
Staying away from raw sprouts, such as bean or alfalfa sprouts.
Avoiding tap water or water from natural sources, such as rivers and lakes. - Exercise regularly. Getting plenty of exercise can help you maintain strong bones and muscles, both of which can be weakened by the effects of HIV/AIDS and HIV medications. If you’re able to do so, try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking, biking, or swimming) every day.
If you’re not sure what kinds of exercise are safe for you, talk to your doctor.
Getting daily exercise can also lift your mood and help you manage your stress levels.
Read about: need to exercise - Stay away from excessive alcohol or drug use. Drinking too much or using recreational drugs can weaken your immune system. They can also make the side effects from your medications worse.
If you’re dependent on drugs or alcohol, talk to your doctor about the best way to quit. - Get plenty of good-quality sleep. Getting enough sleep can help your immune system stay healthy. Try to go to bed early enough that you can get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or 8-10, if you’re a teen). Let your doctor know if you have trouble getting enough sleep. You can also improve the quality of your sleep by.
Keeping your room dark, cozy, and quiet at night.
Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine a few hours before you go to bed.
Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each night.
Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, which might include reading, taking a warm shower, or doing a little meditation. - Practice safe sex even if your partner is also infected. If your partner also has HIV/AIDS, they might have a different strain than you and contracting a different strain can pose additional challenges to managing your condition. Practicing safe sex will not only protect your partners, but can also prevent you from developing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use a condom when you have sex. You can also protect both yourself and your partner(s) by.
Limiting the number of people you have sex with. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to get an STI or pass one on to someone else.
Avoiding using drugs or alcohol before you have sex. These substances can impair your judgment and make you more likely to make risky decisions.
Taking your HIV medications while you are sexually active. These will make you less vulnerable to new infections, and will also make it less likely for you to pass HIV on to your partner(s).
Getting screened every 6 to 12 months for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. - Establish a good hygiene routine. Good hygiene practices can help reduce your risk of developing an infection. A few good ways to protect yourself from diseases and infections include:
Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent dental decay and gum disease
Keeping your home clean and tidy
Properly washing and disinfecting food preparation areas and utensils
Washing your hands carefully after handling animals, pet cages, and litter boxes.
