To manage an HIV diagnosis, it’s important to stick to your schedule of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Let’s learn more about antiretroviral therapy drugs (ART) and how they can help you stay healthy in the long term. It’s vital to continue taking these medications, even if you feel better.

    1. ART is not a cure but it can help control HIV

    For now, there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, ART is created to help to reduce the amount of HIV in your body. This is known as the “viral load.” By taking your medication consistently, your viral load can drop to undetectable levels. So, while ART does not cure HIV, it makes your immune system stronger to help prevent the virus from causing serious damage.

    2. Take your medication daily

    ART works best when you take them regularly. There are over 30 antiretroviral medicines, grouped into six types. Each type works against HIV at a different stage in its life cycle. The key is consistency. This means taking your medication every day at the same time – even if you think you’re feeling better. When you miss even a single dosage, you run the risk of the virus multiplying and becoming even harder to fight.

    3. Undetectable means untransmittable

    When your doctor gives you the good news that your viral load is “undetectable” that means you cannot pass the virus on to others through sexual contact. To work toward this goal, take your medication exactly as prescribed, drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and stay active.

      4. Learn how to manage side-effects

      Almost every medication and treatment will have some type of side-effect. Some patients may not feel any effects at all while on antiretrovirals, while others may have headaches, nausea, and feel tired. Generally, these feelings should pass and get better over time. If the effects persist, please speak to your doctor or the clinic to get advice. 

      5. You still need regular check-ups

      Even if you’re feeling full of energy and healthy, regular check-ups are still important when you’re on ART. Your doctor will monitor your viral load and immune system health to ensure that the medication is working. Routine blood tests help catch any issues early so adjustments can be made if needed.

      6. Make healthy choices!

      Keep making healthy choices. That means: no smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and taking good care of your hygiene. Wash your hands regularly to keep germs and bacteria away, fill up on nutritious food like green vegetables, calcium, lean proteins and wholegrains, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Do your best to stay away from sick people as your immunity may be at risk of other viruses. A healthy body and mind are important in managing your HIV treatment. 

      Healthy food for HIV care

      7. ART is safe for long-term use

      Medical experts have created antiretroviral therapy drugs for long-term use. Many people have been on these medications for decades with no major problems. As HIV treatment evolves, medications become even more effective and less toxic than earlier versions. So, keep taking your medication and stay healthy!

      8. You can always ask for help 

      Living with HIV can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you need support managing your medication or just someone to talk to, there are resources available. Join support groups, talk to healthcare professionals, and stay connected with friends and family for encouragement and advice.

      Help at hand

      By following your antiretroviral therapy schedule, staying healthy and keeping up to date with regular check-ups, you can lead a full and active life with HIV. Knowledge is power and every time you’re proactive in managing your condition, you take another step forward in staying healthy for the long term.

      Images: Pexels

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