Understanding Care

Who should be on my health care team?

After being diagnosed with HIV, it is important to put together a health care team that can provide you with the best possible care. This team should include a primary care physician, an HIV specialist, and mental health professional. The primary care physician will be responsible for your overall health and well-being, while the HIV specialist will have expertise in managing the virus and its symptoms. The mental health professional can provide support and counseling to help you cope with the diagnosis and manage any anxiety or depression. By working with this team of experts, you can receive the comprehensive care you need to maintain your health and wellbeing. For more information please visit the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html and Ryan White HIV/AIDS program websites https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/hiv-care/services

What do I need to do as part of my HIV care?

One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy if you have HIV is to take your antiretroviral medications (ART) every day as prescribed. ART can stop the virus from reproducing and lower the amount of virus in your body, which helps keep your immune system strong. It also reduces your risk of transmitting HIV to others. In addition to taking medications, there are other things you can do to take care of yourself and stay healthy. Getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are all important for people with HIV. You should also avoid smoking, excess alcohol use, and illegal drug use, as these can all weaken your immune system. If you are sexually active, you should use condoms to help reduce your risk of transmitting HIV to your partner. By taking care of yourself and following your doctor’s instructions, you can live a long and healthy life with HIV.

What can I expect during a medical visit?

A medical visit can be a daunting experience, especially if you are HIV positive. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your visit and make the most of it. First, it is important to know what your health goals are. What are you hoping to achieve with this visit? This will help you to communicate effectively with your doctor. Second, make sure to bring a list of any medications you are taking, as well as any allergies or medical conditions you have. This will help the doctor to provide the best care possible. Finally, be prepared to answer questions about your sexual history and drug use. This information is important in order to provide you with the most accurate care possible. By preparing for your visit, you can ensure that you get the most out of it and that your needs are met.

What are the different tests that help monitor my HIV?

There are a few different tests that can help monitor your HIV. The most common test is the viral load test, which measures the amount of HIV in your blood. This test can help determine how well your treatment is working and if the virus is replicating. Other tests include the CD4 count, which measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and the viral load test, which measures the amount of HIV in your blood. These tests can help your doctor determine how well your treatment is working and if the virus is replicating.