A CD4 T cell count. This test checks your levels of a specific type of white blood cell that is attacked by HIV. If your CD4 T cell count falls below 200, your doctor will diagnose you with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), even if you don’t have any symptoms. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source A viral load test. This test will check to see how much of the virus is in your blood. With HIV medications, you may be able to reduce your viral load to undetectable levels. [6] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source A drug resistance test. Some forms of HIV are resistant to antiretroviral medications. If your doctor determines that you have one of these strains, they’ll choose treatment options that are more likely to work with your particular form of the virus. This test is usually done if there’s evidence that your current drug treatment regimen is not working (such as a very high viral load). [7] X Research source
Your doctor may test you for conditions such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, other sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, liver or kidney damage, or toxoplasmosis. You can help your doctor identify any potential complications or secondary infections by telling them about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Your doctor will also recommend that you get lab work done regularly (typically every 3-6 months to once a year) to monitor your overall condition. For example, you will likely need a complete blood count (CBC) every 3-6 months, a basic metabolic panel (BMP) 1-2 months after you start treatment and then every 3-6 months, and a urinalysis once a year.
Tiredness Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Headaches Fever Muscle cramps Difficulty sleeping Dizziness
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor between regularly scheduled appointments if you have concerns or if your symptoms change or get worse. The number and type of medical appointments you’ll need to go to will depend on a variety of factors, like your age, sex, overall health, risk factors for complications, and the stage of your infection. In order to make sure your medications are working, your doctor will recommend regular lab tests. These will include HIV RNA tests (to check how much of the virus is present in your blood) and CD4 cell count tests. These tests may become less frequent as your treatment progresses. For example, you’ll need to take viral load tests every 4-8 weeks after you first start treatment. Once your viral load becomes undetectable, you’ll only need the test every 3-6 months.
Taking antiretroviral medications during your pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor. Having a C-section instead of a vaginal birth. Using formula to feed your baby instead of breastfeeding. Giving your baby antiretroviral medications 4 times a day until they are 6 weeks old. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
You can find a list of clinical trials relating to the treatment of HIV and HIV/AIDS-related complications here: https://hivinfo. nih. gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-and-aids-clinical-trials.
When getting vaccines, make sure your doctor knows that you have HIV. Some vaccines, such as those containing weakened versions of the live virus, are dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.
Use a condom every time you have sex. If you’re allergic to latex, choose a polyurethane condom. Limit the number of people you have sex with. If you have a lot of sexual partners, you’re more likely to pick up an STI or give one to somebody else. Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before having sex. Using drugs or alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more likely to make risky decisions (like not using a condom). Always take your HIV medications while you are sexually active. This will make you less likely to pass an infection to your partner and will also make you less vulnerable to other infections.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Don’t consume unpasteurized dairy products or fruit juices. Stay away from raw sprouts, such as alfalfa or bean sprouts. Always wash fresh produce, and make sure any equipment or surfaces you use to prepare food are properly cleaned. Drink filtered or bottled water rather than tap water or water taken directly from natural sources, such as lakes or streams.
If possible, ask someone else in your home to take care of cleaning litter boxes or pet cages.
Sharing needles can put you at risk of getting another infection, such as hepatitis. [25] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source It can also put other people in danger of catching HIV from you.
Try to take your medications at the same time each day. To help you with this, you might set an alarm, use a medication reminder app, or ask a friend or family member to help remind you. Let your doctor know if you have trouble sticking to your medication routine for any reason, such as difficulty remembering to take the pills, trouble swallowing your pills, or financial problems making it hard to afford your medication. They can give you advice about how to manage these issues. Never stop taking your medications, even if you don’t have any symptoms or tests show that your viral load is undetectable. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication routine.
If you’re not sure which foods are healthiest for you, talk to your doctor or a dietitian.
Acetyl-L-carnitine. This supplement may help ease nerve pain associated with HIV. Whey protein. Whey protein may help you gain weight and reduce diarrhea. There’s also some evidence that it can boost your count of CD4 T cells, the immune cells that are attacked by the HIV infection.
Many HIV/AIDS clinics offer a variety of support services to their patients, including counseling and practical help with issues like getting to doctor’s appointments and finding financial resources.
