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"I didn’t want having HIV to slow me down. So I make sure to take steps to live a healthy life by exercising, eating well, and working with my health care provider to stay on top of my HIV. By doing what I can to manage my HIV, I am protecting myself and others." — Daniel

Daniel found out he had HIV from a recent test. Daniel stays on top of his treatment by working with his doctor and making healthy life choices. He wants to live a full and healthy life, and that means staying on top of his HIV management.

Do you have HIV? Are you at risk? Do you have any of the signs and symptoms? HIV does not have a cure, but there are steps you can take to live a healthy life with HIV.

  • Your HIV health care team will depend on your health care needs. Routine checkups help you stay healthy.
  • Take your HIV medications. HIV treatment helps lower your viral load and, as a result, will help to protect your immune system and can decrease risk of transmission to others. You should follow your treatment plan exactly as your health care provider has prescribed.
  • Get routine tests as recommended, such as a viral load test. The viral load is the amount of human immunodeficiency virus in the blood. Having an undetectable (so low that it cannot be found) viral load is the goal. Most people can get an undetectable viral load within six months of starting HIV treatment.
  • Avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Use protection every time you have sex.
  • Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of lean protein, which your body uses to build muscle and a strong immune system. Choose healthy options like lean beef, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Exercise daily. Adults should aim for 30 minutes every day.
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