Monitoring blood work is essential. Most docs advise checking CD4s andviral load every three months—or monthly for nadirs below 350—until youstabilize. (If your benefits don’t cover extra tests, argue that earlydetection is cost-effective.)

Tell Doc about any infections orillnesses and avoid vaccines, which can kick HIV into overdrive, endingyour STI. Cohen advises spending your first two STI months “with accessto care—not heading off on a cruise ship.” And don’t forget what Kaisercalls “common sense: rest, healthy diet, not abusing recreationaldrugs.”