Stick
to your
treatment
plan

It’s important to continue taking treatment as prescribed

Sticking to treatment as prescribed helps make sure there’s always enough medicine in your body to help fight the virus and help you get to and stay undetectable.

Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it, and getting there can help you live a longer and healthier life with HIV. It might seem challenging at first, but it is an important step to help you stay healthy. And it goes a long way in helping to stop the virus.

By sticking to treatment as prescribed, you can manage your HIV viral load. Current research shows that taking HIV treatment as prescribed and getting to and staying undetectable prevents transmitting HIV through sex.

Start treatment as soon as possible

You can start treatment as soon as your healthcare provider (HCP) recommends it. Some treatments can even be started the same day that you are diagnosed. You may hear this called rapid start.

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Keep up with your treatment routine

There are many strategies that can help you keep up with your HIV treatment. Here are a few that might help:

Create a consistent routine for taking your medication, going to appointments, and checking in with your healthcare providers
Set up automatic refills with your pharmacy, if possible
Make sure to plan for your medicine routine if you’re going to be away from home

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment plans that can fit into your routine.

Work with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment for you

It starts by having a conversation. During any appointment with your healthcare provider, know that nothing is off-limits. Don’t be scared to share your thoughts or feelings about your HIV treatment or your journey living with HIV. Also, do not be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider about any other issues you may be facing, such as mental health or any alcohol or substance use issues. They have what’s best for you in mind, and sharing your honest experience with them can leave you feeling empowered and more in control of your own health.

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Make the most of your support team

There are a lot of people and places to turn to for HIV support. When you have HIV, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many different types of people make up your support team. They can be:

doctors
nurses
pharmacists
physician assistants
nurse practitioners
psychologists and psychiatrists

specialists
case managers
counselors
social workers
treatment educators
family and friends

You are also part of your support team. So, continue to learn about HIV and your treatment options, and be your own advocate.

Topics you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider

No questions are off-limits when you meet with your healthcare provider, and it’s great to come prepared. Here are some topics to discuss with them at your next visit:

Your social life, sex life, and if you smoke, drink, or use drugs
Your daily routine and how HIV medicine can fit into it
Any other health conditions you have
Any medicines or supplements you are taking
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
The importance of staying on HIV medication
Avoiding HIV drug resistance
Your work or school schedule
Your family life and living situation
Any side effects you might be experiencing

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Stick to your treatment plan