Living with HIV

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There are millions of people with HIV worldwide who are living happy and fulfilling lives. For them, and soon enough for you, HIV becomes part of the background, no more or less important than they want to make it in their lives. HIV is a medical diagnosis, but it's also much more than a medical diagnosis. Testing positive for HIV is a serious matter but one that you can deal with. Starting HIV medications early is one of the best ways to take care of your health. Antiretroviral therapy or ART (taking medicine to treat HIV infection) is recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of how long they’ve had the virus or how healthy they are. Know that you are not alone. Many people are living with HIV, even if you don't know that they are. Develop a network of people including friends, family, healthcare providers and others impacted by HIV to provide you support throughout your life with this new diagnosis.

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Newly Diagnosed with HIV

Receiving an HIV diagnosis can be life changing. You may feel many emotions - sadness, hopelessness, or anger. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

HIV Treatment

HIV treatment involves taking medicines that slow the progression of the virus called a retrovirus, and the combination of drugs used to treat it is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Telling Others

Telling your partners that you have HIV before you have sex or inject drugs may be uncomfortable. But doing so protects you under the law. It also allows your partners to make decisions that can protect their health.

Protecting Others

If you take HIV medicine every day, exactly as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load, you have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex. This is called treatment as prevention.

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Healthy Living with HIV

People living with HIV sometimes face issues that can affect their nutrition. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, people living with HIV should eat healthy, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.

Stigma & Mental Health

Good mental health will help you live your life to the fullest and is essential to successfully treating HIV.

RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

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Resources for People Living with HIV in North Dakota

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Ryan White Part B Program

The Ryan White program is federally funded and reimburses medications, medical care, and support services for persons living with HIV.

Housing Assistance

Tri-State HELP (Housing Environment for Living Positively) HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) provides housing assistance and related services assistance for low-income persons living in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.

Group and Individual (Peer) Support

Finding support means finding people who are willing to help you through the emotional and physical challenges you are facing.