It's essential to keep your body healthy in the event that you suffer from HIV. Kristin Engellund, MD is an associate member within the department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. According to her, when you keep your immune system in good condition, you'll be better at fighting diseases and viruses.
Healthful habits are vital to those who live with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Here are eight good ways to live a a healthier life when living with HIV.
1. Make sure you are practicing safe sexual sex
It is the most important step to take. As Dr. Englund, "Practicing safe sexual activity is vital." Know how the virus is transmitted to reduce the risk of infection by others. Make sure you use condoms, not just to stop the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, but also to safeguard you and your partner against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other types of infections.
2. Check for the presence of other STDs
If you have another STD, often referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs You may be more likely to transmit both HIV and your other STD to someone else. STDs may also increase the severity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and can cause it to worse. Human Immunodeficiency Virus can make STDs more difficult to treat. You should address any STDs as soon as you are able to. Getting tested is a must since some STDs don't cause any symptoms -without being tested there's a chance that you don't realize you have one.
3. Avoid infections and illness
HIV decreases the efficiency of your immune system. This makes your more susceptible to disease, germ or virus. Wash your hands frequently, and stay away from sick people to stay as health-conscious as you can. Be sure to keep up-to-date with the vaccinations you have received to lower your chance of contracting avoidable diseases.
4. Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions regarding your medication
It's crucial to take your HIV medications exactly as recommended by your doctor. Skipping even one day of medicine can allow the virus an opportunity to develop resistance to medications, rendering them useless against the infection, claims Englund. Make sure you take your prescriptions daily at the same time each day, and always have your medications with you in order that if you are away from home and need to leave home, you don't miss a dosage.
5. Do not abuse either alcohol ordrugs.
Overuse of alcohol and substances can lead to depression. To protect your immune health, avoid illegal drugs. Utilize prescription drugs according to the prescriptions of your physician. Avoiding drug abuse can also aid in preventing cognition (thinking and reasoning) decline, which is crucial in the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related dementia.
6. Do not smoke
Quitting smoking is an excellent choice for all. Stopping all tobacco use is a great way to live longer and feel better, according to Englund and will also reduce the risk of a variety of health problems and reduce your chance of suffering from serious illnesses such as stroke and heart attack. Check it out to get additional hints on For Managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
7. Take care of your emotional and physical health concerns
Depression is quite common among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and the stress that comes with Human Immunodeficiency Virus is known to exacerbate symptoms of depression. Furthermore, both stress and depression can worsen the physical discomfort associated with HIV. Keeping stress, depression, and pain under control can assist in enhancing the health of your body and mind which makes living being a person with Human Immunodeficiency Virus simpler. Talk to a professional in mental health in case you're suffering from depression. Make sure to mention the medications you're taking to treat HIV to prevent the possibility of drug interactions between depression and Human Immunodeficiency Virus medication.
8. Training for the Mind and Body
Exercise both mentally and physically can keep your mind and body in good shape. Exercise, whether it's walking in the park, cycling or swimming, or whatever activities you are interested in helps you remain physically fit, and also keep stress and depression at bay. Exercise is also beneficial to your immune system. Engage your brain with puzzles, crosswords, or other challenging activities. HIV can affect your attention as well as memory, and your concentration.