HIV is not a sentence, but a number of necessary rules must be observed

The spread of HIV infection continues to be one of the major problems of mankind. Despite the efforts of scientists, HIV infection is currently an incurable chronic infectious disease. For 35 years, no cardinal method of treating this disease has been found. But, thanks to modern advances in medicine, progress has been made in the fight against it.

Detecting an infection in the early stages, timely initiation of treatment and regular follow-up with a doctor are the basic rules that an HIV-infected person can follow to a ripe old age. In addition, new means and methods of treatment are constantly being developed - every year an HIV-infected patient has more and more chances to become a person who does not depend on HIV.

Many people who first learn about their HIV-positive status are lost and do not understand how to live on. Getting a positive HIV test result is a real blow. A person who finds out that he is HIV-positive falls on the shoulders not only of concern for his life and health, but also for the fate and health of his spouse, as well as the unborn child.

Learning to live with HIV is a difficult task, it requires a lot of time and effort, and a person cannot cope with certain difficulties alone. In some situations, the support of relatives and friends is needed. In others, the experience and help of people living with HIV. There are problems that cannot be solved without information and support from specialists. This forms the basis of the work of services for people with HIV: support for the immediate social environment, the possibility of mutual assistance of HIV-infected people, the provision of information and support from qualified specialists. Overcoming problems depends on the person himself.

The most important thing that people living with HIV should know is that HIV infection is not a death sentence, but a number of necessary rules should be observed:

• Knowing your HIV status is the first and most important step that can save not only the lives of an HIV-positive person, but also the lives of those who are dear to him!
• Clearly follow the recommendations of the attending physician, get more information about this disease, then an HIV-infected person will be able to control the disease, and not the disease to control him. Be sure to constantly consult with doctors, do not be afraid to ask them or learn something. Ask at least a thousand and one questions - patients must know everything about the disease in order to continue to lead a full life. Neither the quality nor the life expectancy of HIV-positive patients today differ from those without HIV infection.
• Take your HIV medications regularly. This will help maintain (or restore) the ability to work, improve the quality and increase the life expectancy of a person living with HIV.
• Complete your education and go on to study further. Well-educated people are in demand all over the world right now. Gaining new knowledge is not only a way to distract, but also an opportunity to make life more fulfilling and successful.
• Make a career. Being a good specialist is not only an opportunity to provide for yourself, your family and children financially. It is also a reason for legitimate pride. For example, the famous American basketball player Irvin "Magic" Johnson, who announced his HIV-positive status in 1991, received Olympic gold in Barcelona a year later, continued his sports career for another five years and is still alive. And if you want, you can find hundreds more examples of what people living with HIV have been able to achieve.
• To give birth to healthy children. HIV-infected people have this opportunity. Protect them, love them, help them grow into worthy people. And be sure to wait for the grandchildren.
• Keep a healthy lifestyle. Give up bad habits, start moving more and eat healthy food. Doctors note that this helps to control the viral load.
• Enjoying life and being happy is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Believe in yourself and love yourself. Find new goals in life.

The main thing is not to go in cycles in HIV infection.

It is important to understand that HIV is a disease just like any other disease. And if a person is diagnosed with HIV infection, he must know what to do: LIVE!