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There are probably few things that strike fear in our hearts like a positive HIV test. Like any chronic disease diagnosis, testing positive for HIV is a life-changing event. But by taking the right steps after diagnosis, you can have a positive affect on your future health and well-being.
Seeking early medical treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are great ways to start once you test positive. Getting HIV medical care soon after diagnosis will help preserve the strength of your immune system, in turn delaying the progression of HIV to AIDS. Here are important steps you should take after testing positive to protect your health:
- Find and schedule an appointment with an HIV specialist, even if you do not feel sick. While not everyone needs HIV medications right away, an HIV specialist will examine you, take blood tests to assess the strength of your immune system, and educate you about your new disease. It is never too early to start thinking about and planning your HIV care.
- Make sure all your health maintenance screenings are up to date, including:
- TB screening (PPD)
- PAP Smear and mammogram for women
- colonoscopy
- prostate exam for men
Ask your doctor about screening for other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
- Check to see if you have been vaccinated against:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcus Pneumonia (Pneumovax)
- Flu (if it is the flu season)Tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (tdap)
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