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Make sure you have a health care provider who knows how to treat HIV. |
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Begin treatment promptly once your health care provider tells you to. |
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Keep your appointments and follow the guidance of the health care providers. |
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If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine just the way he or she tells you to because taking only some of your medicine gives your HIV infection more chance to fight back. If you get sick from your medicine, inform your health care providers promptly for advice; don’t make changes to your medicine on your own or because of advice from friends. |
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Get immunizations to prevent infections such as pneumonia and flu. The health care providers will tell you when to get these shots. |
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Practice safer sex to reduce the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or another strain of HIV. |
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If you smoke or use drugs not prescribed by your doctor, quit immediately. |
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Eat healthy food, fresh fruits, and plenty of water. This will help keep you strong, keep your energy and weight up, and help your body protect itself. |
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Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep and rest. |
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Take time to relax and stay away from stressful relationships or activities. Many people find that meditation or prayer; along with exercise and rest help them cope with the stress of having HIV or AIDS. |