Millions of people live with HIV and have happy, full lives. You can too. Over time, HIV may become just one small part of your life that is only as important as you want it to be.
HIV is a medical condition. It can be serious if not treated, but it is something you can manage with medications. Starting treatment right away is one of the best ways to stay healthy. HIV treatment is called ART. It is medicine you take to control the virus. Everyone with HIV should take this medicine, no matter how long they have had HIV or how healthy they feel.
You are not alone. Many people live with HIV, even if you don’t know who they are. Build a support system. This can include friends, family, health care providers, case managers, and others living with HIV. These people can help you as you move forward.
Newly Diagnosed with HIV
Getting an HIV diagnosis can change your life. You may feel sad, scared, or angry. All of these feelings are normal.
With the right treatment, you can live a long, healthy life. Treatment also helps protect your partners.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Health care providers, counselors, and social service staff can help you through the early stages. Many of these supports are available at your clinic.
HIV Treatment
HIV treatment helps control the virus. It can mean taking medicine every day or getting a shot every two months. HIV is a kind of virus called a retrovirus. The treatment is called ART.
ART is for everyone with HIV, no matter how long they have had it or how healthy they feel. Take your medicine exactly the way your health care provider tells you.
In North Dakota, most HIV care is given by infectious disease doctors. HIV treatment and other services can be covered through the Ryan White Program.
Telling Others
Telling your partners you have HIV before sex or sharing needles can feel uncomfortable. But it is important. It helps protect you under the law. It also helps your partners make choices to protect their health.
You should also tell current or past partners if you are diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI). This helps them know they should get tested too.
Protecting Others
If you take your HIV medicine every day and your viral load becomes undetectable, you cannot pass HIV to a partner through sex. This is called “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U).
Keeping your viral load undetectable is one of the best things you can do for your health and to protect others.
