January 28, 2022 BY imani leave a comment
In many parts of the world, getting an HIV diagnosis still sounds like a death sentence. If you do even the smallest bit of research on the subject, you will quickly find that it doesn’t have to be that way. Medicine has come very far since the initial outbreak of HIV in America. In this day and age, a person with HIV can live a long and happy life, much like someone who is HIV negative.
If you’re just starting to learn about HIV, here are 7 things you need to know:
You can live a long and healthy life.
The average life expectancy of a person with HIV is nearing that of a person without HIV. If you can take your health seriously, and stick with medication and therapy, there is no reason why you shouldn’t live a long and happy life.
You can have romantic and sexual relationships.
Romantic relationships are not reserved for people who are HIV negative! What you do in the bedroom is up to you. The only thing is, you have to disclose your status to your sexual partner. On the plus side, with the help of medication and safe sex practices, you can lower the risk of infecting them to nearly 0!
You can have children.
If you decide to have a baby, you can do so safely with the help of medication and treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out what your options are. It is not hopeless and you can have a baby that will be HIV negative!
You will need treatment.
You can keep yourself and your partner safe with the help of treatment and medication. Antiretroviral therapy is the main form of treatment for HIV. It is, in other words, a combination of drugs that you can take to slow down the progression of HIV.
You can have an undetectable viral load.
Having an undetectable viral load essentially means that the quantities of HIV in your body are so small that you cannot pass it to anyone through sex. That doesn’t mean that you are 100% cured, but you cannot infect anyone else.
You should take care of yourself.
Even though the diagnosis is not a death sentence, you need to treat your body with more love and respect than ever before. A balanced diet and an exercise regimen can promote health and allow you to live a long life.
You are not alone.
Living with HIV can feel alienating. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to your family and friends for help and support, you can join a community or support group recommended by your doctor.