What can you do with HIV? Topic: Nutrition and nutritional supplements for HIV

An incurable disease. Today, medical specialists can stop and significantly slow down its course with the help of drugs that form the basis of antiretroviral therapy. But in many ways, the life expectancy of an infected person depends on the patient himself. Therefore, it is extremely important to know what HIV-infected people should not do.

If you have HIV, you can't have bad habits

The use of alcohol, drugs and smoking cause a significant blow to the immune system, even healthy person, as well as for many vital systems and organs. A person affected by the immunodeficiency virus is much more vulnerable in this matter. His immunity is primarily affected by the dangerous disease. This means that HIV-infected people are prohibited from consuming alcohol, drugs and products containing nicotine. Doctors and scientists studying this dangerous disease often talk about this.

It is also important to know that alcohol and drugs can cause death while taking antiretroviral drugs. After all, under their influence, medications may not work. This means that the virus will continue to have a destructive effect on the body.

What else can HIV-infected people not do?

There are a number of other prohibitions for patients with the immunodeficiency virus. What is it about:

• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. If you have HIV, it is not recommended to sunbathe or visit a solarium, since ultraviolet light activates dormant virus cells.
• Eating wrong. Fatty, spicy foods are not very healthy even for a healthy person. A patient with an immunodeficiency virus is recommended to completely exclude it from his diet.
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you have HIV, you should not neglect frequent walks and exercise. With this disease, it is extremely important to lead an active lifestyle.
• Skip medications. Antiretroviral therapy medications are taken strictly according to the regimen. Doctors recommend that patients with immunodeficiency virus buy special containers for medications. With their help, you can distribute medications for a day or even a week. You can set an alarm on your mobile phone so you don't miss taking your medications. However, over time, this will become a habit even without reminders.

If a patient has doubts about what is possible with HIV and what is not, it is best to ask the attending physician about this. An experienced specialist will give the necessary recommendations.

07 Mar 2017, 23:21

What do you need to know about your HIV status?
AIDS remains the incurable disease of the new century. Today it is rightfully considered the plague of the 21st century. The presence or absence of a terrible disease determines HIV status....

There is an old saying: “We eat to live, not live to eat.” For a person with HIV, these words take on special meaning, because you need to know how to eat right. Living with HIV means living with a weakened immune system. A balanced diet is one of the ways to maintain good health. Of course, there are many components: appetite, availability of time, cooking skills and, last but not least, the availability of money. Healthy proper nutrition is part of treatment that helps make HIV infection a manageable process. Experts believe that adequate nutrition can slow down the transition from the stage of the disease without clinical manifestations to the stage of AIDS.

With food we get the nutrients our body needs: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals. All these components are like members of one team. If one nutrient is lacking and others are in excess, the immune system will not work effectively. Not a single product contains all the ingredients necessary for the body. That's why you need to eat varied.

In popular literature, many fables and speculations about nutrition are published that have no physiological basis. This and separate meals, and the ban on milk for the elderly, tales about the dangers of meat and other nonsense. Your diet should be structured so that every day it contains grain products (cereals), vegetables and fruits, dairy products, as well as meat or fish, and eggs. Give preference to foods low in fat. This does not mean that if you want lard, you cannot eat a slice of this valuable product. By the way, the body itself is a good regulator, listen to the desire that arises. However, of course, moderation is needed in everything.

Different people need different amounts of food, and this is related to age, weight, physical activity, but the correct balance of nutrients is ensured by a combination of different meals throughout the day, week, month. Fruits contain many vitamins, but milk contains little of them. But milk contains a lot of calcium, and vegetables contain very little of it. In other words, consuming too much food from one food group does not compensate for consuming too little food from another group.

Eating healthy includes not only a variety of foods, but also choosing foods that suit your taste. Some foods are not very healthy, for example, spices, but they improve the taste of food, and therefore increase appetite. There should be space on your table for different foods. Let any food give you pleasure, enjoy it without guilt.

Some patients, not only HIV-infected ones, refuse meat, considering it unhealthy food. Animal products contain easily digestible and much needed protein. It is also easier to obtain iron with meat products. As for vegetarians, they have to eat more to get the calories and protein they need. What if you need to gain back the weight you lost? And yet, if you do not eat meat, you should eat protein foods of plant origin, primarily legumes: beans, peas, lentils, and nuts.

For an HIV-infected person, maintaining a normal weight is essential. Unfortunately, in modern culture thinness becomes synonymous with beauty. This is no good for you. Being underweight reduces the body's ability to fight opportunistic diseases.

For the normal functioning of the body, regular physical exercise. Without physical activity excess calories will turn into fat, and to resist possible infections you need not fat, but protein.

You have to eat, but sometimes you don’t feel like it at all. Walking in the fresh air always improves appetite, and a change of environment will change your mood.

Don't eat hastily or while standing. Don't give up ketchup and mustard. A small amount of wine is not contraindicated; it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.

Bread and flour products from flour of the 1st and 2nd grades, rye and rye-wheat, cereals - rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, millet, pearl barley, especially legumes;
Exclude: bread made from premium flour, biscuits, cookies, pancakes, pies, muffins, semolina, pasta.

Meat and meat products: cutlets, soufflé, zrazy, liver, lungs. Poultry dishes.
Exclude: fatty meats, canned meats, sausages.

Fish recommended fish include carp, pike perch, perch, cod, haddock, navaga, hake, and pike.
You can eat seafood.
Exclude: herring, salmon, sturgeon, flounder, salted, smoked, fried eels; canned fish, preserves.

Eggs you need to eat soft-boiled, fried, hard-boiled and raw eggs are not recommended.

Dairy products necessary, but you need to exclude milk, cream, ice cream, sour cream.

Vegetables and fruits must be consumed raw or cooked, but not in the form of canned pickles.

Confectionery: sugar, honey, jam; cakes and pastries no more than once a month.
Not allowed: caramel, gingerbread, waffles, sparkling water.

Exercise and sports

Lack of movement leads to blood stagnation, impairs the removal of toxins, and slows down metabolic processes. How does exercise affect people living with HIV? Physical Culture supports immunity, helps strengthen muscles, increases a person’s physical strength, increases appetite and, finally, improves mood. So, I think the answer to the question “Does a person with HIV+ status need to exercise?” is already obvious. Yes! What should you do before you start playing sports? The first thing you need to do is discuss it with your doctor. At various diseases There are contraindications against certain types of exercise. Yoga suits some, running or dancing suits others, exercise equipment suits others. Which sport is better to choose? Human blood contains blood lipids - fatty substances such as cholesterol and tricyclides. High level of these substances in the blood increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Long-term use of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection can lead to elevated blood lipid levels. Increasing your heart rate for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week through aerobic exercise (biking, running, swimming, even brisk walking) reduces blood fat levels and significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with HIV-associated weight loss syndrome often have low amounts of one type of cholesterol called HDL, also called "good" cholesterol. Resistance exercise (machine exercise) significantly increases blood HDL cholesterol in HIV-positive people. Regular exercise also reduces excess fat tissue, including that caused by lipodystrophy, a weight redistribution syndrome that occurs with long-term use of antiretroviral therapy. Resistance exercise also helps with elevated tricyclides and cholesterol. But in the end, you need to remember - you need to choose a sport, of course, to your liking! Through “I don’t want” no activities will bring any benefit. So, first of all, you need to do what you like! Can I do weight training if I have HIV? Weight training to increase muscle mass(weight lifting, push-ups, abdominal exercises) are considered especially useful for increasing overall tone! Things to remember: · Avoid excessive stress! Muscle pain can only be mild, otherwise it is already an overload.

Remember to eat well. The amount of protein, vitamins and microelements during sports should increase

Nutrition. 5 basic rules

Eating well is important for everyone because food provides us with the nutrients we need to stay healthy. However, nutrition is often selected individually. Therefore, the first thing to do is to seek advice from your doctor, and also consult a nutritionist.

A nutritionist will tell you what foods are good for supporting the immune system, talk about precautions when eating, and give advice on using nutritional supplements and vitamins.

It is important to remember that the diet does not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor! But it can significantly improve your health and well-being.

5 rules of nutrition for HIV infection:

Rule #1. Consume more calories.

Weight loss is a common problem for people living with HIV and should be taken very seriously. Significant weight loss can be dangerous because it makes it more difficult for the body to fight infections and recover from illness.

The average energy requirement for an adult per day is about 3000 kcal. To get more calories you can:

There is the same thing as always, but in larger portions.
- Eat more often - not 2-3, but 5-6 times a day, and have snacks between meals.
- Add sour cream, mayonnaise, butter, grated cheese to salads, soups, sauces, and hot dishes.
- Spread nut butter on toast, crackers, and fruit.
- Add hard-boiled eggs to sandwiches, soups and salads.
- Eat chocolate, sweets, ice cream and all your favorite foods.
- Avoid low-calorie foods - they fill the stomach and give a false feeling of fullness.

And, of course, don’t forget that food should be healthy! So it’s still not worth eating just ice cream and chips 6 times a day :)

Rule #2. Eat more protein.

To get more protein, you first need to remember which foods contain it.

Rule #3. Drink more fluids.

In the case of HIV-infected people, it is very important to drink enough water. The fluid carries the nutrients your body needs.

Additional fluid may:

• Reduce side effects of medications.
• Help remove waste residues from the body medicines.
• Help you avoid dehydration (dehydration), dry mouth and constipation.
• Help you feel less tired.

You need to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day! This can be not only water, but also juices or milk (if there is no intolerance).

Rule #4. Take precautions!

If you have HIV, it is important to pay attention to food and drink safety as your immune system is already weakened and has difficulty fighting off infections.

If food is not stored or prepared under proper conditions, the germs it contains can be passed on to you. They can make you sick.

Here are the rules regarding food safety:

1. Keep everything clean! Wash kitchen utensils frequently and always - with detergent.

2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before preparing and eating food.

3. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water with a special brush.

4. Thaw meat and other frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave oven.Never defrost food at room temperature. Microbes that grow at room temperature can cause serious illness.

5. Wash all cutting boards and knives (especially those used to cut up chicken or meat) with soap and water. hot water. Use different boards for raw and prepared foods.

6. Make sure that meat, fish and poultry dishes are not left raw.

7. Don't eat raw eggs, soft-boiled eggs, fried eggs on one side so that the yolks remain semi-liquid, or Caesar salad with raw egg dressing.

8. Don't eat sushi, raw seafood or meat. Milk - only boiled or pasteurized.

9. Store leftovers in the refrigerator at temperatures less than 4.5° C. Do not eat food that has been in the refrigerator for more than 3 days.

10. Heat hot dishes to 60°C before serving.

11. Throw away any food that you think is out of date (such as fruits, vegetables and cheese). If food has mold or rot, throw it away.

12. Drink only boiled or bottled water

13. Throw away any dishes that have cracks or scratches - dirt accumulates there

Rule #5. Consult a specialist

The diet does not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor!

Remember that there is no one “correct” diet. Eating well means getting enough nutrients for your specific needs.

Proper nutrition during HIV infection affects the quality of life of people infected with the virus. HIV infection can lead to malnutrition, and a poor HIV diet can accelerate the progression of the disease. HIV infection and its treatment affects the human body and its health. It affects not only the functionality of the immune system, but also overall energy and nutritional needs. nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

The greatest share in the creation of malnutrition among HIV-positive individuals is the increased energy needs of the affected organism, insufficient energy consumption, diarrhea and opportunistic infections. Insufficient food intake is often caused by lack of appetite, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea, vomiting and depression. HIV infection increases energy requirements in asymptomatic individuals by approximately 10%. The consequence of poor nutrition is, first of all, a violation of the body's immune defense and, associated with this, an increased risk of other infections.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among HIV-infected people in developed countries is about 40-50%.

People living with HIV who are overweight or obese often experience high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. These symptoms subsequently lead to the development of chronic non-infectious diseases, so-called civilization diseases, which include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and others.

Causes overweight and obesity among HIV-positive people is the same as in other population groups - low physical activity, unbalanced diet and excessive energy consumption.

If you feel well, your current diet meets the nutritional needs of the body, and only in exceptional cases will it be necessary to radically change your eating habits.

Diet plays an important role in the development of relapse and good nutrition can lead to faster and more effective changes beneficial to human health. Poor nutrition weakens the body, reduces immunity and can contribute to the development of the so-called. opportunistic infections.

Check your weight regularly to know if you are eating enough (weighing once a week is recommended). to yours appearance Diet also helps. The body requires changes in nutrition depending on the season (winter means including more essential substances such as vitamins and even calories in the diet). Be sure to consult your doctor about dietary changes. You should only drink clean drinking water. In places where the quality of water is questionable, give preference to bottled or boiled water. Eat only fresh or properly cooked foods.

A balanced diet should include the following components:

1. Carbohydrates, for example: bread, rice, potatoes, cereals, cereals, etc. These products provide the body not only with carbohydrates, but also with proteins and minerals.

Try to eat 4-6 servings of these foods every day, with one serving equal to:

• 1 slice of bread;
• 1 cup cooked pasta;
• 1 cup oatmeal;
• 1 medium potato.

These foods should form the basis of your healthy diet.

2. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals and trace elements

Try to eat 5 servings of them per day, with one serving equal to:

• 1 kg. fresh fruit;
• 1 handful of dried fruits;
• 1 glass of fruit juice.

3. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts or tofu ( soy cheese) will provide the body with proteins, vitamins and minerals

Try to eat 2-3 servings of these well-cooked foods every day; one serving is equal to:

• 2 pcs. eggs;
• 100 g meat;
• 150 g fish;
• 100 g tofu;
• 100 g of legumes.

4. Milk and dairy products provide the body with proteins, calcium and vitamins.

Try to eat 3 servings of these foods per day; one serving is equal to:

• a glass of pasteurized or boiled milk;
• 1 yogurt;
• 30 g cheese, preferably low-fat.

5. Fats and oils supply the body with energy, fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins

These foods do not have a daily intake, but the rule of thumb is that the more you consume, the more fat you will store in your body unless you produce more energy at the same time, such as through sports activity.

Some people choose low-fat foods to maintain good physical shape. However, if you have metabolic problems, it is advisable to increase your fat intake in your diet. This rule does not apply if the person suffers from diarrhea. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor at the AIDS center.

6. Sweets

Although there is no need to include them in the diet, sweets still provide the body with energy, so, in some cases, their consumption may not be prohibited and may even be desirable, for example, if a person is in a phase of sudden weight loss. Suitable, for example, is the consumption of honey and grape sugar (the name “sugar” in this case does not mean “harm”). Although it is not common, some people may develop problems with fungal infections (candidiasis) in the mouth after consuming refined sugar.

If you think you are underweight and are concerned that you will lose even more weight if you develop health problems, include carbohydrates, sugars and proteins in your diet. If you exercise regularly, such as weight training or swimming, these substances will help maintain and strengthen your muscles. This is important, because Loss of muscle mass during any illness in people with HIV/AIDS is a common, significant phenomenon.

Many people infected with HIV suffer from a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements already in the early stages of infection, so daily use of:

• Or 1 tablet of a multivitamin preparation with microelements;
• Or vitamin C, E and A 1 tablet daily;
• Or microelements (chrome, copper, iron, selenium and zinc) once a day.

After a monthly vitamin course, it is appropriate to take a break for at least 2 weeks, supplementing the diet with natural vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits. Not all vitamin supplements are suitable, they large quantities may even cause harm. The balance of minerals such as sodium, phosphorus and magnesium has important for the body, and is necessary for the life of an infected person.

The body requires 7 essential micronutrients to function. These include:

• Chromium;
• Copper;
• Cobalt;
• Iron;
• Selenium;
• Zinc.

Even though they are present in the body in small quantities, their consumption is necessary.

Some people infected with HIV take regular vitamin, mineral and micronutrient tablets to strengthen their immune system. Studies have shown that these individuals may have lower levels of vitamins and minerals such as A, C, E, B6, B12, zinc, selenium, etc. in the body compared to uninfected individuals. Therefore, they are recommended additional use vitamins and minerals in the form of tablets or vitamin drinks. In this context, it should be noted that some vitamins, if taken in excessive doses, can have negative health effects. This applies, for example, to the following products:

Vitamin A

It is found in carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. High doses of vitamin A, for example, can damage the liver and bones, cause vomiting and headaches. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about the exact dosage, as high doses may cause fetal harm.

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Doses above 800 mg/day have adverse effects in people with hemophilia and people taking anti-clotting medications.

Doses above 75 mg/day can lead to a lack of copper and iron, which, in turn, is fraught with changes in the composition of the blood, but even a dose above 15 mg/day, according to some studies, has a negative effect on the course of HIV infection.

High daily doses of selenium can lead to decreased immunity.

Vitamin B6

High doses (10-50 mg/day) can lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Some molecules in human body Life requires “free” oxygen. This means they search for other suitable molecules, often at the expense of other important molecules. In this state, they are called free radicals. The HIV virus uses free radicals as its building material. Free radicals are activated at the moment when the genetic material necessary for the reproduction of the HIV virus is copied. There are some natural antioxidants, but only those that play an important role in fighting HIV (such as vitamin C, E and A) should be included in the diet.

Most people living with HIV do not have to make drastic changes to their eating habits. However, it is important that their diet meets nutritional guidelines.

HIV-infected people are vulnerable to deficiency of B vitamins (especially B6, B12, B1 and B2), folic acid, vitamin C, D and E.

B vitamins are important for the proper functioning of the immune system and nervous system. Their sources include milk, meat and eggs, whole grains, legumes and yeast.

Vitamin C has antioxidant effects and is important for the immune system and antibody production. Its sources are mainly fresh vegetables and fruits.

Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A promotes vision, especially in dim light. Its sources are mainly red and yellow vegetables and fruits, as well as egg yolk, liver, dairy products and fish. Vitamin D influences the immune system and the proper absorption of calcium. Formed in the skin under the influence of UV radiation. Its important sources in the diet are fish and fish fat. Vitamin E is also important for the body due to its antioxidant activity. Its sources are vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Among HIV-positive people, attention is focused in particular on the quality of bone tissue, at the level of iron, zinc and selenium in the blood. Bone density may be affected by the use of antiretroviral drugs, but physical inactivity and lack of vitamin D and calcium may also contribute to bone density. Well-absorbed sources of calcium include milk and dairy products. Non-dairy sources include sardines with bones and some vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower).

Iron is an important component of blood and acts as an oxygen carrier. Its highly digestible sources include red meat (venison, beef and pork), organ meats, fish and egg yolks. From plant sources, first of all, worthy of attention legumes(peas, lentils, beans, soybeans), nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower).

Zinc is involved in wound healing and promotes cellular immunity. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased appetite. Its sources are mainly red meat, dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Selenium is involved in antioxidant processes and is important for cellular immunity. Sources of selenium in the diet are mainly meat and offal, as well as mushrooms, cheese, nuts and seeds.

In order to provide the body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs, a varied diet is very important; if necessary, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can take nutritional supplements.

The principles of the diet are very simple: more calories and more protein! You don't have to radically change your usual diet. To get more calories,

eat the same things you always do, but in larger quantities;

eat more often - 5-6 times a day, and have snacks between meals;

wherever possible, add butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated cheese;

Instead of water, drink juices or milk (if you are not intolerant);

low-calorie, low-fat foods are not for you;

sweets, chocolate, ice cream, all your favorite foods - what you need.

Products that contain protein: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, beans, peas, beans, nuts.

Eat at least three servings of protein foods per day. One serving is

1 chicken leg

2 chicken eggs

two slices of cheese

two handfuls of nuts

You also need bread, potatoes, various cereals, pasta, vegetables and fruits, including fresh (2 pieces per day, or 2 tbsp. juice), dairy products. If your body does not tolerate milk, switch to fermented milk - kefir, yogurt.

Avoid weight loss. If you are losing weight, forget about your appetite: eat a little every 2-3 hours, trying to get as many calories as possible.

Diarrhea (diarrhea)

To avoid dehydration, drink at least 8 glasses of fluid per day

compensate for the loss of potassium - bananas, potatoes, fish, meat

help stop diarrhea - rice, semolina, white crackers, crackers, hard-boiled eggs, jelly, bananas, mashed potatoes, yogurt.

even if you have no appetite, eat as often as possible, even in small quantities

food and drinks at room temperature are better than cold or hot

reduce fats and give up fried and spicy foods for a while

For intestinal colic and gas, do not eat peas, beans, beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, beer, or chewing gum.

Nausea

eat little but often.

eat salty foods, avoid very sweet foods

for breakfast - toast, crackers, corn or oat flakes (without milk)

avoid fatty and fried foods

drink half an hour to an hour before meals, or half an hour to an hour after; don't drink it down

After eating, do not lie down for at least two hours. If you need to lie down, place your head at least 10 cm above your feet.

If it's hard to swallow

eat creamy foods - mashed potatoes, semolina,

puddings, ice cream, mashed banana, pureed cottage cheese

grind everything you can in a mixer or cut into small pieces

try baby food: its delicate consistency suits you

if the food is semi-liquid, eat through a straw rather than with a spoon

To make it easier to swallow, tilt your head back

avoid spicy and hot foods; cold food and drinks are preferable

Acidic fruits and vegetables - oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes - irritate the mouth and throat.

HIV is not transmitted through food, drinks and utensils - do not be afraid to infect your friends or family by preparing food for them. But you must follow certain precautions to ensure that kitchen utensils and foods do not become sources of germs that are harmful to your health.

Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly with a special brush.

Ruthlessly throw away vegetables and fruits that show signs of rot or mold. The same applies to bread and cheese - just cutting off the moldy crust is not enough!

Subject meat, fish, and poultry to thorough cooking.

Steaks "rare" are not for you.

Defrost frozen foods on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or in the microwave: at room temperature, microbes instantly multiply in them. Do not re-freeze thawed food!

Don't eat raw eggs - it's better to boil them hard.

Use different cutting boards for raw and prepared foods.

Wash dishes thoroughly in hot soapy water.

Keep your kitchen shelves clean. Throw away old dishes that have cracks and scratches - dirt accumulates there.

Drink only boiled water. Milk - only pasteurized or boiled.

When cutting raw meat, it is best to wear rubber gloves, especially if you have lesions on your hands that could become infected.

It seems to many that the life of a person diagnosed with HIV is filled with some special restrictions and the need to comply with certain complex rules and conditions. In fact, there are not so many such restrictions and they are not so critical.

The main limitation, of course, concerns sexual contacts. Despite the fact that if a number of conditions are met (for example, with HAART), the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact is quite insignificant, but, nevertheless, to completely eliminate it, you must always use a condom, even if your partner also has HIV infection. For many, this becomes a very significant limitation in sexual life, but for me personally, a condom does not particularly bother me. Of course, it’s better without it, who can argue, but eliminating the risk of infection of a partner should be more important than getting more complete pleasure from sexual contact, although many will not agree with me.

The second significant limitation begins from the moment of taking HAART and its essence is the connection to “your” AIDS center for constant periodic receipt of therapy (I wrote about this in the post “” and the need to strictly adhere to the medication regimen. The latter, however, quickly becomes part of habit and ceases to be any special problem. In addition, some understand strict adherence to the treatment regimen as taking pills minute by minute. But in reality, of course, such precision is not required. The main thing with HAART is not to maintain the concentration of drugs in the blood below a certain level.All dosages of drugs are calculated with some time reserve, so plus or minus 1-2 hours do not play a special role, the main thing is not to allow longer delays or omissions.

Before starting therapy, you also have to periodically visit the AIDS center to monitor the development of infection. But before you start taking HAART, these visits may not be as regular or necessary. Although, it is necessary to do this at least once every 6 months.

A common stereotype is that when HIV infection Even the most minor illnesses such as a runny nose or a cold can lead to dire consequences, so you need to avoid them by all means. Actually this is not true. People with HIV, just like people without infection, sometimes get sick, but as long as their immunity is normal, the course of the disease and its treatment, as a rule, occurs without any special features.

Many people believe that since during HIV infection the virus suppresses the activity of the immune system, then its stimulation by external means and drugs is just what the doctor ordered. This is a very common misconception. The interaction between HIV and the immune system is much more complex than simply “mechanistic” suppression of the latter. On the contrary, with HIV infection, the immune system constantly works at “high speed” and that is why the use of any immunostimulating drugs, even of natural origin (for example, echinacea extract, ginseng, etc.), is completely contraindicated. Immunostimulants can give a temporary visible positive effect in the form, for example, of raising the immune status, but such additional overload of the immune system as a whole does not benefit it and is definitely harmful in the longer term. However, if natural drugs are used not in the form of extracts, but in their natural natural form, for example, as a component of herbal tea, then, according to my infectious disease specialist, this is quite acceptable, but, nevertheless, I try to avoid such drugs.

The remaining contraindications are associated with specific HAART drugs. For each of them, the instructions contain a fairly extensive list of contraindications for other medications. Therefore, it is advisable, when using any medications against the background of HAART, to consult on this topic with your infectious disease specialist, or, if for some reason this is difficult to do, independently look at the instructions for the HAART medications. The main negative drug interaction is a decrease in the concentration of HAART drugs in the blood, which in turn can lead to the possibility of HIV replication, and this, while taking HAART, can lead to the emergence of resistance, which is very, very undesirable.

Among the non-medicinal contraindications to HAART drugs, the incompatibility of Lopinovir (Kaletra) and St. John's wort, Efavirenz (Stokrin) and some citrus fruits (grapefruit, pomelo) is widely known, and recently on aids.ru it was published about the incompatibility of Stokrin with ginkgo-based drugs.

Another difficulty is related to the fact that when applying for medical care in honey institution other than the AIDS center, the question arises - whether to talk about your HIV diagnosis or remain silent about it. There is no universal answer to this question. I believe that it is not worth disseminating information about your HIV status unless absolutely necessary, especially considering the lack of education and rather stupid stereotypes in the field of HIV even among healthcare workers, and also because of the risk of information about the diagnosis going beyond the medical boundaries. institutions, which, alas, is also not uncommon, despite the legally protected secrecy of the diagnosis. But if the above-mentioned problems do not arise, then, of course, the attending physician should know about the diagnosis of HIV because this can affect both the diagnosis of the disease for which you went to the doctor and the prescription of treatment. The only exception is the dentist, who, as a rule, does not need to know about his patient’s HIV infection, and as for protecting him from possible infection, he must take all precautions when seeing everyone, regardless of HIV status.

These are, perhaps, all the restrictions that are present in the life of a person with HIV. Everything else is completely acceptable, including alcohol, without abuse, of course. Although, the main one is unpleasant by-effect alcohol is that when drunk it is easier to forget to take the next portion of pills, although, as a rule, my internal “alarm clock” goes off even in this state.