Having HIV does not have to stop one from living a healthy life in the way that they choose to do. With correct treatment and care, one can expect to live as long as someone who does not have HIV.

Here are a few tips with which one can look after oneself and stay healthy.

Taking antiretroviral treatment for HIV
If one has been diagnosed with HIV then starting treatment as early as possible is the first step to taking care of oneself and keeping their immune system strong.

Although antiretroviral treatment is not a cure for HIV, it does help in keeping the virus under control.

Similar to a lot of medication, one may experience some side effects in the first few months of starting the treatment. However, if they persist and are affecting one’s quality of life, then it is advisable to switch to a different drug regimen.

Once the treatment starts, the key to staying well is to ensure that one takes it regularly as prescribed, which usually means every day at the same time. Skipping doses or taking it at a different time each day will stop it from protecting the immune system.

Eating healthily
“Eat a balanced diet, without too much processed fat, salt, or sugar”, is the nutritional advice for both people living with HIV as well as without. For those having HIV, a balanced diet helps the body absorb the treatment and fight off everyday infections.

One may benefit from consulting their healthcare professional about their diet if they:

• are underweight (maybe as HIV was already making them ill by the time they were diagnosed)
• are overweight
• have any specific dietary problems
• are experiencing side effects, making it hard to eat well

Exercising regularly
Being active is an important part of maintaining good health for everyone as it builds muscle, burns fat, keeps the bones strong, and heart healthy. Some people who live with HIV tend to lose muscle mass and strength; however, exercising regularly can help in preventing this. Stress and symptoms of depression are also eased and reduced by exercising.

Avoid excessive alcohol or drug use
Consuming too much alcohol or taking recreational drugs weakens the immune system, which means the treatment will not keep one as healthy as it can and should do. Also, one may experience unwanted side effects (or more intense side effects). One may feel dizzy or may even pass out because the drugs and the alcohol have combined with the treatment, making one potentially vulnerable.

If one is concerned about their alcohol or drug use, they should talk to a healthcare professional for advice and support.

Managing stress and getting support
Looking after mental wellbeing and emotional health is just as important as taking care of the body.

Finding out that one has HIV can be a shock, and it may take some time for the individual to adjust. Talking to friends, family, and/or other people living with HIV can really be helpful when things get difficult. One can also look for peer mentoring or buddying services in their area.

Once an individual adjusts to living with HIV, it is a good idea to think about what they want out of life. What are their goals? What is important to them? Maybe one wants to study, change career, travel, or have a family? One should not let HIV stop them, there is no reason why it should.