Living with HIV and AIDS

Being affected by HIV is considered to be one of the most unfortunate happenings in a person’s life. But what others forget is the fact that anyone at any point of time can encounter such a situation which would turn out to be an ordeal. Stigmatizing such a health condition is a heinous act that is unwarranted for. Like any other disease, AIDS, too, has its way of inflicting the human body; this one hits to bring about changes that could reduce life expectancy significantly. To be among the unaffected group of people and merely watching the predicaments of another person isn’t the same as going through such a phase of life. Several myths surround the disease of AIDS, and it affects the ones who are affected. The virus that attacks a human body destroys the CD4 immune cells, which are the major combating powers against all kinds of diseases.

Most people think of AIDS as a disease that spreads through sharing a glass, hugging, or using the same towel. However, that doesn’t happen, and it would spread from blood transfusion rarely. Sharing needles, getting tattoos using unsterilized equipment, and having unprotected sex are the major forms of the spread of the disease. Once affected by HIV, life starts getting all painful and miserable, but there is always a ray of hope that remains to hold onto. Living with AIDS is, therefore, a challenge that needs time to accept and fight. Let us have a look at how the patients live with this disease.

Antiretroviral Treatment

No HIV patient is alien; they too are humans and have all the right to live life their way. If you have been infected, panic comes naturally but should be fought in the initial stage. By getting rid of all such stresses, you are bracing yourself for the forthcoming agonies. None of the stages of AIDS is indeed easy to pass, but with fortitude and high morale from your family, nothing is unconquerable. Although antiretroviral treatment may not be a cure for HIV, it surely can help in keeping the virus in your body under control.

Antiretroviral treatment could have certain side effects in the first few months, which may fade away in the process. If it persists rather than pass, make sure to switch to a different drug if this form of treatment isn’t working out for you. Also, take the medicines regularly at the prescribed times, and make sure not to skip doses since it could affect your immune system badly.

Healthy Diets

All people affected by HIV should try and eat a balanced diet that has lesser quantities of salt, sugar, and processed fat. Frequent infections can be fought effectively by taking these foods that will help in absorbing the treatment easily. It is always best to talk to your healthcare professional about your diet when your body experiences the side effects of the medicine or other dietary problems. Consult the dietician also if you are underweight or overweight since these factors could directly influence your body when being affected by HIV.