There was a time when receiving an HIV diagnosis was just as bad as that of cancer. There was little known about the virus and how to treat it.
But times have changed. A person living with the virus can live a long and healthy life like anybody else. While HIV still has no cure, it’s getting easier and easier to manage with better medications coming up.
However, an HIV-positive diagnosis is still life-changing and not in a good way. As much as medications can help you manage the virus and lead a healthy life, things won’t be the same again.
Being HIV-positive means your lifestyle has to change. You’ll have to watch your health in a whole new way since you’ll be living with the condition for the rest of your life.
The diagnosis can be overwhelming and can make you feel unsure where to begin.
In this post, we will guide you on what to do after being diagnosed with HIV.
1. Take a Moment
HIV is not a death sentence, and it’s not something that cripples you for life. Know that you have options, and with the right treatment, nothing about what you do in life and goals need to change.
You don’t need to start running right off the bat or talk about treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Instead, you could take a moment to let it all sink in. It’s important that you let the emotions rush you for the moment. At the end of it, you’ll be able to think straight and ready to pick yourself up.
2. Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Once you’ve accepted your new normal, it’s time to learn as much as you can about the virus without delay.
You should probably set up an appointment with a healthcare provider. Your local GP can tell you more about what having HIV means and what the next steps are.
Considering your doctor has your medical background, they’ll be able to determine how best to approach treatment and when.
Likewise, you may want to talk to an HIV specialist. It’s generally recommended to receive medical care from an HIV specialist.
HIV specialists are doctors with special training in HIV care and treatment. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience, which is vital for your wellbeing.
You may want to confirm if the specialist is accredited by an entity such as the AAHIVM.
3. Ask Questions
HIV doesn’t just affect your physical health. It affects different aspects of your life as well.
Considering the situation is new to you, ask your healthcare provider
questions until you’re satisfied.
It may seem unpleasant to ask some questions, but it’s their job as professionals to understand. Also, your health depends on how informed you are about your condition.
In addition, if you think you need a second opinion regarding your treatment, feel free to go for it. It’s crucial that you’re comfortable with your treatment.
4. Start Treatment
It would be best if you began treatment as soon as possible. HIV is a virus that attacks your body’s defenses. You definitely want to start fighting back soon.
The treatment, known as antiretroviral, helps manage the virus by keeping the viral load in the blood to a minimum. That should be your ultimate goal: to maintain a low amount of the virus in your blood.
Remember, so long as you have a low viral load, you’re relatively fine. You’ll hardly experience any complications that come with a weakened immune system. Also, chances of infecting other people are minimal.
5. Receive Counseling
Despite treatment, your health is closely linked to your mental wellbeing. With a serious condition like HIV, which attacks your immune system, the last thing you want is to weaken your body’s defenses by falling into depression.
It would help if you sought support to help you come to terms with being HIV-positive. You could try seeing a counselor or joining a support group.
If you’re depressed, seek treatment, whether through antidepressants or natural remedies like meditation and exercising.
Unconventional treatments like medical cannabis are also known to treat stress and depression. Find more info on the subject here.
6. Tell People Close to You
Basically, it’s up to you whether you want to tell people about your HIV status or not.
However, you may be bound by law to disclose your HIV status to your partners once you’ve tested positive.
In addition, disclosing your status to people close to you is a way of protecting them from accidental exposure.
Support from friends and family is also essential for your physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Testing HIV positive is not the end of the world, far from it. You still have control over your health and your life, just like everybody else.
Sure, being positive comes with its challenges, but nothing beats human will. Nowadays, we have cutting-edge treatment. Add to that a healthy lifestyle and social support pretty well.
