It’s essential to keep your body healthy even if you’re suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus. By keeping your body as healthy as possible, it’s much better able to fight viruses and other types of infections, says Kristin Englund, MD, associate staff director of the department of infectious diseases within the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

People living with HIV should incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle. Use these 8 tips to healthier living when you have HIV:

1. It is essential to have safe sexual contact

It is the most important item in the checklist. Says Dr. Englund, “Practicing safe sexual relations is crucial.” Learn how the virus is transmitted so that you can reduce the possibility of infection by other people. Condoms are not just for protecting against HIV transmission. They also protect you as well as your companion from other STDs and infections.

2. Get tested for additional STDs

If you suffer from another STD that is also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, you may be more likely to pass on HIV along with your additional STD to another person. STDs can also make Human Immunodeficiency Virus worse, and can accelerate the progress of HIV. HIV makes STDs harder to manage. The best thing to do is treat any STDs promptly are able to. It’s important to get tested because there are some STDs do not cause symptoms. It’s possible that you won’t know you have these if you’re not testing.

3. Prevent infections and illnesses

HIV reduces the effectiveness of your immune system, making you more vulnerable to any infection, virus or bacteria. Avoid those who have a cold and wash your hands often to ensure you’re well. Also stay up-to-date on every vaccination you receive in order to decrease your risk of preventable illnesses.

4. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s prescription instructions Make sure you take your HIV medication exactly as your doctor prescribes. Englund warns that skipping one dose of HIV medication can cause the virus to build up resistance to the drug and render it useless. Be sure to take prescriptions at the same time every day, and always have your medications with you in order you can take it with you when in a different location it is not necessary to miss a dose.

 

5. Do not abuse alcohol or drugs.

 

 Alcohol and drug overuse can create depression. To ensure your immune system is protected, avoid illegal drugs. Take prescription medications as prescribed by your doctor. The prevention of drug use can aid in preventing mental (thinking and reasoning) decline, which is important in minimizing Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related dementia. 

6. Do not smoke

Anyone can benefit from quitting smoking. In the words of Englund’s recommendation, quitting all tobacco products can make you more healthy, happier and prevent many health issues. Additionally, it reduces the chance of suffering from strokes and heart attacks. Look at this web-site to get an useful reference on For Managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

7. Manage physical and emotional health problems The stress associated to HIV illness can intensify the symptoms of depression. Stress and depression can cause physical discomfort that comes with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The effects of depression, stress, and anxiety are manageable to enhance the physical and mental well-being of people and make life easier with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If you’re suffering from depression, talk to a doctor. Inform them that you are taking HIV medication to prevent possible interaction with other drugs.

8. Exercise mind and body Exercise both mentally and physically will ensure that your body and mind are strong. Exercise, whether it’s walking, cycling, running, swimming or any other activity that you like helps you remain physically fit, and also keep stress and depression at lower levels. Fitness is beneficial to the immune system too. The mental exercise of solving a daily crossword or playing games that test your brain- can help maintain your cognitive health. Improve your memory, focus as well as your attention span as all these can be affected by HIV.