10 Mistakes People With HIV Make

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
  • two-men-embracing
    Sidestep Complications
    You can live a long, productive life with HIV. But it’s important to learn all you can about the condition and how to care for yourself. By avoiding the following mistakes, you can sidestep complications and improve your quality of life.
  • Man with large pile of bills
    Mistake #1: You don’t seek treatment because of financial reasons.
    HIV treatment can be expensive, but it’s no longer necessary to forego treatment based on cost. New laws ensure that health insurance is available for most people with HIV. Plus, many federal aid programs and drug manufacturers offer assistance to those unable to pay. Find help at AIDS.gov.
  • Man taking pill
    Mistake #2: You’re less than diligent with your medication.
    Skipping even one dose of HIV medication can cause the virus to replicate into different strains, which may be resistant to your drug. Don’t give the virus the opportunity. Keep it under control by taking your medicine at the same time each day. Try setting an alarm as a reminder.
  • Doctor comforting patient
    Mistake #3: You keep secrets from your doctor.
    Be open and honest with your doctor about everything. Changes in your personal life, side effects of your medication, and problems following your treatment plan can all affect your condition. The more your health team knows, the better they can help you.
  • Tooth ache
    Mistake #4: You ignore tooth pain.
    Seeing the dentist is an important part of living with HIV. Signs of HIV-related infections often begin in the mouth or throat. If you have tooth pain or a mouth sore, make an appointment with the dentist right away.
  • Bottle of pills
    Mistake #5: You keep mum about herbs or supplements.
    Some common herbs and supplements that are marketed to help HIV patients have been proven ineffective. What’s more, some may actually interfere with HIV medications. Talk with your doctor before trying these remedies.
  • gynecologist-examining-patient
    Mistake #6: You don’t see your gynecologist regularly.
    If you’re a woman with HIV, you are at greater risk for cervical cancer. That’s because your immune system has a harder time fighting off abnormal cell growth in the cervix. If left untreated, these cells can turn into cancer. Thankfully, regular Pap tests can catch the problem early.
  • Man smoking
    Mistake #7: You haven’t kicked the tobacco habit.
    Smoking decreases the effectiveness of HIV medications. It also weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult to fight off infection. HIV treatments can now lengthen your lifespan; don’t shorten it by smoking.
  • two-men-embracing
    Mistake #8: You think oral sex is safe.
    Although the risk of passing HIV to a partner through oral sex is lower than it is through vaginal or anal sex, it is possible. Practice safe oral sex by using a condom or other barrier between the mouth and genitals to reduce transmission of the virus.
  • Flu shot
    Mistake #9: You don’t take flu season seriously.
    People with HIV are at increased risk for serious complications related to influenza. To protect yourself, ask your doctor about getting a yearly flu vaccine. Opt for the shot instead of the nasal spray, which contains a weakened form of the live influenza virus.
  • Therapist comforting patient
    Mistake #10: You ignore your mental health.
    HIV affects people’s mental health in many ways. Not only can the diagnosis lead to depression and anxiety, the virus itself can infect the brain or raise the risk of opportunistic infections. These can cause memory and thinking problems. Plus, some HIV medications cause mental side effects. Talk with your doctor if you suspect problems.
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Last Review Date: 2021 Aug 26
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.