People with HIV who take care of themselves can have long, healthy and active lives. This has led many people to say that they are not just surviving HIV…they are strong and thriving!
Want to learn the secrets to living “positively”?
One is that people with HIV who take medication and keep their virus undetectable stay healthy and cannot pass the virus to an HIV-negative partner through sex. This great news is called “undetectable = untransmittable” and has allowed many people to have a full sex life with their partners like never before.
Here are some other key points about living well with HIV:
- Find a provider you like. There’s no need to settle. Find someone who makes you feel welcome and supported on your journey to health.
- Stay in care. Keeping appointments is a great way to ensure that all preventative screens are up to date. Your provider can also help you manage any/all other chronic conditions and help you quit smoking or get care for addictive behavior.
- Stay on medications. As above, getting and keeping an undetectable viral load is the best thing you can do for your health. Plus it means that you have no risk of passing HIV to any HIV-negative partners through sex.
- Spread the word. Being open about living with HIV and encouraging others to do the same can go a long way to combat stigma and other negative thoughts. Stopping HIV depends on building solidarity and feeling empowered.
