HIV Disease and AIDS

Some people with HIV develop AIDS much sooner than others. The reasons for this are many and not all may be within your control. But it is also true that a great many are within your control. Indeed, avoiding certain factors in your lifestyle may reduce your risk of developing AIDS sooner than later.

Avoid coinfection.

• Make protected sex the rule.
• Never share needles or syringes.

Stay out of harm's way.

• As much as possible, avoid known and potential sources of infections -- from friends with the sniffles to suspect foods or eating utensils. Why? Because infections stimulate the immune system and the production of CD4 cells. In turn, this may stimulate the replication of the virus within the cells.

Live the good life!

• To be healthy, live healthy.
• Follow basic rules of hygiene.
• Eat well.
• Minimize stress.
• Smoke less tobacco.
• Drink less alcohol.

Say "NO" to illicit drugs for good.

• Illicit intravenuous drugs reduce the body's resistance to infection.

Become HIV and AIDS savvy.

• See your doctor for regular check-ups, but don't hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of the treatment prescribed.
• If infections or illnesses are more frequent, consider the benefits of early treatment to help slow the progression of the disease.