Managing Life with HIV: Self-Care Strategies and Frequently Asked Questions
Living with HIV in the United States can present several common challenges, but with proper care, support, and treatment, people can lead full, healthy lives.
One of the most significant challenges faced by those living with HIV is neurocognitive disorders, which affect up to 50% of individuals. These disorders, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), impair brain function due to ongoing inflammation and viral activity in the central nervous system. Regular monitoring and management through targeted neuroprotective strategies and nutritional support can improve quality of life [1].
Stigma and discrimination remain a major barrier to access and adherence to treatment and prevention services. Persistent stigma, including in healthcare settings, leads to fear of seeking care, social isolation, and worsened mental health [2][3]. Community-led outreach programs, peer educators, and social support networks can help reduce discrimination and encourage healthcare engagement. Formal support and funding for these community workers are critical [2].
Trauma and violence also pose a significant challenge, particularly for women living with HIV. Many women report histories of physical or sexual abuse and intimate partner violence, which correlate with worse HIV outcomes such as treatment failure and lower viral suppression. Trauma also contributes to mental health challenges like PTSD [3]. Healthcare providers should adopt trauma-informed approaches to address these issues.
Nutrition and malnutrition, economic barriers, and access to basic necessities such as food and transportation can also impede consistent treatment and healthcare engagement [2]. Providing support for food security, transportation, and stable housing promotes consistent treatment access and overall wellbeing.
To address these challenges, several comprehensive approaches are essential. Early and continuous antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves health outcomes, reduces viral load to undetectable levels, and prevents transmission [4]. Integrated care for neurocognitive health through targeted neuroprotective strategies and nutritional support can improve quality of life [1].
Combatting stigma, addressing social determinants, and providing trauma-informed care are also crucial. Community-led outreach programs, peer educators, and social support networks help reduce discrimination and encourage healthcare engagement [2]. Addressing social determinants such as food security, transportation, and stable housing promotes consistent treatment access and overall wellbeing [2].
Managing HIV requires daily medication and adherence to a treatment plan as instructed by a healthcare professional. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources for people experiencing stigma or discrimination related to HIV. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that a person living with HIV can become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby, but certain precautions must be taken.
As people living with HIV age, they are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as lung disease, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, seeking treatment for other medical issues, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding recreational drug use can help those with HIV stay healthy.
In the United States, HIV medication can be expensive, and many people have difficulty affording it. The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides free medication to qualifying individuals in the U.S. Anyone living with HIV who is experiencing mental or emotional health issues should contact a healthcare professional. Housing discrimination can be prevalent among people living with HIV. The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program can provide assistance for those experiencing housing instability.
Speaking with a healthcare professional about HIV and seeking support from others can help manage the challenges of living with HIV. Learning more about HIV can help a person feel more in control of their situation. People with HIV, given proper treatment and adherence to their treatment plan, can live full, healthy lives with a near-normal life expectancy. People who faithfully follow an ART regimen can lower their viral load, become undetectable, and no longer transmit HIV.
In conclusion, while living with HIV presents several challenges, with proper care, support, and treatment, people can lead full, healthy lives. Early and continuous ART, integrated care for neurocognitive health, combatting stigma, trauma-informed care, addressing social determinants, and community engagement are all crucial components of managing HIV in the United States.
References: [1] Antinori, S., et al. (2017). HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy. Nature Reviews Neurology, 13(12), 713–724. [2] Kates, J., et al. (2016). HIV and social determinants of health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence from low- and middle-income countries. AIDS, 30(10), 1439–1452. [3] Wohlfeiler, K. A., et al. (2017). The association between intimate partner violence and HIV treatment outcomes in women living with HIV. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 75(5), 539–543. [4] Coates, T. J., et al. (2011). Early antiretroviral therapy and the risk of death in HIV-1-infected adults starting antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. The New England Journal of Medicine, 364(11), 1038–1049.
People living with HIV may experience mental health concerns due to persistent stigma and discrimination, including in healthcare settings, which can worsen mental health conditions [2][3]. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and community resources can help manage these mental health challenges.
Proper nutrition and addressing economic barriers are also crucial for those living with HIV, as they can impede consistent treatment and healthcare engagement [2]. Support for food security, transportation, and stable housing promotes consistent treatment access and overall wellbeing.
