23 February 15

Ending HIV

DROP YOUR LOAD: KEEPING HEALTHY AND UNDETECTABLE

So you’ve got your head around what an undetectable viral load is, so here are some tips that might help you stay healthy and help you manage your viral load.

1. Take care of yourself!

Your resistance to HIV is only as good as you are to your own body. Look after your body by getting enough sleep (an average adult requires between 8-9 hours of sleep each night), exercising for 30 mins a day and eating healthy.

2. Keep your visits to the GP regular

The only way you can know if you are either on the track to achieving an undetectable viral load, or are maintaining one is if you keep visiting the doctor.

3. Get by with a little help from your friends

It can be hard staying on treatment, but with support from friends and those around you it can make staying on treatment that much more achievable.

4. Ask questions about your treatment

If you have a question about your treatment, or want to manage some symptoms by changing treatment don’t be afraid to ask your doctor!

5. Find extra support

Whether you’re HIV positive or not, there are times in our lives when we feel in need of extra help. See what resources are open to you by asking your GP. You can also find free counselling for recently diagnosed HIV positive men with ACON, and workshops that help men who are also recently diagnosed.