Frederic was just diagnosed with HIV. He has a lot on his mind and a lot of questions and worries.
Select the different points on his body to learn how he can alleviate his fears and get his questions answered.
How will my life change now that I have been diagnosed with HIV?
You may have a lot of questions about how your life will change from your new diagnosis.
Here you can read stories from newly diagnosed people and people who have been living with HIV for decades.
Everyone’s experience is different, so take the time to read through the resources. You’ll find many stories of people finding love, having children, overcoming medical setbacks, and living long full lives.
Who can I talk to about my diagnosis?
Consider the five W’s: who, what, when, where and why.
Whom do you need to tell? What do you want to tell them about your HIV diagnosis and what are you expecting from them?
When should you tell them? Where is the best place to have this conversation? Why are you telling them?
If you aren’t ready to confide in people you know, there are many AIDS service organizations (ASOs) which offer support groups.
What do my test results mean?
The CD4s are immune system white blood cells. They are also the cells that HIV targets and destroys.
A normal CD4 count ranges between 500-1,500 cells per cubic milliliter of blood. Below 200 you are at an increased risk of an AIDS-related infection or cancer. Treatment is recommended when CD4s fall below 350, but increasingly new data support starting treatment as soon as possible after testing positive.
The viral load test determines how much HIV is in your blood. A viral load below 50 copies of the virus per cubic millimeter of blood indicates therapy is working and is known as “undetectable”.
What treatments are available to me?
There are many different types of antiretroviral (ARV) therapies that slows HIV and allows people to live longer and healthier lives.
When you start treatment and the type of treatment you use depends on many factors. ARV drugs are taken as a combo.
It is important to treat HIV from multiple angles to prevent your HIV from becoming resistant to treatment. The standard treatment for HIV is a combination of three medication. Your healthcare provider will adjust your medication until you find the combination that works best for you.
How do I prevent transmission to my partner?
By having safer sex, you can protect yourself and future partners from transmitting HIV to your partner, but also protect yourself from other sexually transmitted diseases and a second strain of HIV.
Check out these tips for having safer sex.
Do I need a new doctor?
You should find a doctor that specializes in HIV care. An AIDS service organization (ASO) is a good resource to find doctors in your area.
Having a doctor that you feel comfortable communicating wtih about your health is important to your health. Don’t stay with a doctor that you feel doesn’t respect you. Don’t feel obligated to stay with a doctor that isn’t working out for you. Your health and life depends on your relationship with your doctor, make sure you find one that works for you.