(Provided by
New Mexico AIDS InfoNet)
DID YOU JUST LEARN THAT YOU'RE
HIV-POSITIVE?
It can be very scary to learn that your
HIV test came back positive, but it's not a death sentence. The
test means that you are infected with the virus that causes HIV, the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though there is no cure for HIV
disease, there are many new treatments that help keep the disease under
control.
When you first find out that you have HIV,
you'll need to adjust to this change in your life. Family members or
friends might be able to help you, or you could talk with a counselor or
social worker. Take your time and don't feel that you have to tell
everyone right away about your HIV status. Then start taking the next
steps:
LEARN MORE ABOUT HIV
HIV is a virus that can multiply rapidly in
your body. Without treatment, HIV can make your immune system very weak.
If this happens, you might get an "opportunistic infection". Common germs
cause these diseases. People with healthy immune systems can be exposed to
these germs and not get sick. The same germs can cause serious illnesses
in people with weak immune systems.
The first medication for HIV was approved
in 1987. Now there are many different drugs that can be used to slow down
the HIV virus. Most people with HIV disease can now expect to live healthy
lives for many years.
You will probably have a lot of questions
about HIV disease. There are many good sources of information, including:
- your HIV case manager or physician;
- The Virginia Department of Health
website;
- the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention website.
Be careful about the information you're
getting - check it out with your doctor or other sources to make sure it's
accurate.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
In addition to your regular medical exams,
there are two special blood tests to keep track of HIV disease. They are
the viral load test and the T-cell test. The viral load test helps show
how strong the HIV virus is in your body. It measures the amount of HIV in
your blood. Lower levels are better. This test is used to help decide when
it's time to start using anti-HIV medications, to see if the drugs are
working, and to know when to change medications.
The T-cell test helps show how strong your
immune system is. It counts how many infection-fighting white blood cells
you have. These cells are also called CD4+, T-4, or T-helper cells. The
more, the better. If your T-cell count gets too low, you might develop an
opportunistic infection. This test is used to help decide when it's time
to start using anti-HIV medications, or medicines to prevent opportunistic
infections.
Your doctor will probably want to do these
tests every three to six months. If your viral load stays low and your
T-cell count stays high, you might choose to delay treatment.
DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO DEAL WITH HIV
HIV may not be the only health issue you
are dealing with. The better your health is overall, the better you can
deal with HIV. Be sure to get regular medical and dental checkups, and get
treatment for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high
cholesterol. If you can avoid smoking, drinking too much alcohol,
recreational drug use, and sexually transmitted diseases, you will
probably find your HIV easier to control.
USING DRUGS TO FIGHT HIV
Although there are many different
medications that can help slow down the HIV virus, no one knows exactly
when or how best to use them. You will need to get information and work
with your doctor to decide what kind of treatments fit best with your
beliefs, desires, and life style. You might choose to be very aggressive,
and use anti-HIV medications very early in your disease. You might be more
conservative and decide to wait until you reach specific viral load or
T-cell levels. It's up to you.
USING COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES
People with HIV use many different kinds of
treatments for their disease. Some people believe they have stayed
healthier because they use traditional healing practices, massage,
acupuncture, herbs, or other therapies.
It can be difficult to get information on
how well these therapies work for HIV disease. Most of them are not
studied the same way as western medicines. That doesn't mean they don't
work, but you may have to find other ways to check them out. Remember,
there are no "miracle" cures. If it sounds too good to be true, be very
careful.
GETTING HELP
You can get help from a case manager here at
ASG or at your
local AIDS service organization. Check with your local health department.
A case manager will give you confidential help to find out about and
receive HIV/AIDS services. You can also check on the Internet for HIV/AIDS
information and services.
THE BOTTOM LINE
There are things you can do to stay
healthier with HIV disease. You can learn more about the disease, monitor
the health of your immune system, and decide how you want to deal with
your health.
Remember, you are in charge of your own
health care. You will decide which doctor to work with, and whom else you
want to consult about your treatments. You will decide which treatments
you want to use and when you want to use them. Take your time and learn
about your options.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Infectious Disease
(ID) Clinic - University of Virginia: 434.982.1700
Schedule an
appointment as soon as possible. Press 5 (Ryan White Clinic) and tell
them you are newly diagnosed and would like to make an appointment.
ASG
Case Management Services: 434.979.7714
or 1-800.752.6862
Case
management can help with financial needs and social needs. It also works
as an advocate for you in the medical and social systems. Case management
services are for anyone regardless of need or ability to
pay.
ASG
Partner Prevention Services: 434.979.7714 or 1.800.752.6862
Often the
partner of a newly diagnosed person has questions, concerns and needs. ASG can help with this by providing one-on-one education and help sessions
to help with the partner’s needs as well.
Virginia Department of
Health (Thomas Jefferson District): 434.972.6278
It is
required by law that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) be notified of
positive test results for the purpose of partner notification. VDH is
also a good resource for health information if needed.
If you're outside of the
greater Charlottesville, VA area, please call CDC-Info for numbers and
contact information for your local resources at:
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
English/Español 24 Hours/Day