or "stomach flu. " � You are more likely to get sick because your immune system is weakened by HIV.
Tell all your doctors that you are HIV-positive. This includes dentists and other specialists.Talk to your doctor before you have any vaccines against illness. Most vaccines are OK, but there are some vaccines you need to avoid.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What drugs may be needed?
- Drugs used to fight the HIV virus are called antiretrovirals. Antiretroviral drugs have greatly improved over time. Your drugs will be specifically designed around your way of life and your exact viruss genetic traits.
- Take all drugs as ordered. Research has shown that to be fully effective, HIV drugs must be taken the right way more than 95% of the time. Side effects are much less now than they used to be. Ask your doctor for help with side effects if they happen.
- Talk about all drugs, vitamins, herbal therapies, and alternate therapies with your HIV doctor. Be sure to talk about those drugs ordered by other doctors or the ones you buy over the counter (OTC). Many drugs will either change or will be changed by your HIV drugs. Do not share any drugs.
Will physical activity be limited?
No, as long as you are feeling well there is no need to limit activity, In fact, work out often. � �
What changes to diet are needed?
- Talk about your diet with a dietitian familiar with HIV and antiretrovirals. Sometimes, drugs can change cholesterol and blood sugar. Some of the antiretrovirals have specific food needs. Some require that you watch what kinds of fruit you eat.
- Talk about food safety with your dietitian. This can help you avoid infections.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Tell your sex partner of your HIV status. Often, your doctor or counselors in HIV clinics can help with this.
- Practice safe sex. Use barrier protections and clean sex toys after use.
- If you use needles, learn how to properly clean them. Do not share needles or works for drug injections.
- Sometimes, community-based Free Clinics" can tell you where clean needles and works are available. Do not share supplies or water for cleaning needles or works. Think about drug treatment programs.
- Do not give blood or other body parts.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You think you are having a reaction from the treatment.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- You have not been taking your drugs as ordered.
- You have any concerns about your condition.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, reaction from my treatment, or I have stopped taking my drugs.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention � �
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/brochures/careathome/index.htm � �
National Organization of Rare Disorders � �
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/78/viewAbstract � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �