After Being Diagnosed As HIV Positive
If you've just found out you're HIV positive, you may feel overwhelmed, fearful, and alone. Know that you are far from alone. Countless people and resources are available to help you and the more than 1 million HIV-positive people living in the U.S. today.
It may help to remember that being HIV positive is not the virtual death sentence it once was. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). But being HIV-positive does not necessarily mean that you already have AIDS. New treatment regimens have turned being HIV positive into a chronic condition for many people. With a healthy lifestyle and the right medical care, many HIV positive people are living long, productive lives.
Still, learning that you are HIV-positive may leave you reeling. Where should you turn for help? Who should you tell? What should you do first? Here are a few guideposts to help you through this difficult time.
See an HIV Doctor Right Away
After finding out you have HIV, fear about the future may make it hard for you to take action. But once you know you're HIV-positive, see a doctor with experience in HIV and AIDS as soon as you can. Don't put it off. Your AIDS doctor will run tests to see how well your immune system is working, how fast the HIV is progressing, and how healthy your body is overall. With this and other information, your doctor can work with you to develop the best treatment plan, including when and how to begin treatment. HIV drugs can often slow or prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS. Left untreated, though, HIV can lead to serious illness and death.
find Comprehensive Patient-Centered Care
AHF Healthcare Centers are part of your complete HIV medical care. We provide clients with access to the additional specialists, medications and services they need to be as healthy as possible.
We are grateful that our clients give AHF Healthcare Centers such excellent reviews. In our latest client satisfaction survey, 96 percent of our clients said they would recommend AHF Healthcare Centers to a friend.
Learn the advantages of joining our circle of care.
Are you newly diagnosed or looking for a new healthcare provider?
Simply fill out this form and we will contact you!
contact us to find a doctor right away
For customer service call: 1.800.263.0067
If this is an emergency dial 911!
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 750,000 patients in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe.
Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. As we create and implement unparalleled programs in new communities in the U.S. and abroad, we expand delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the sole aim of saving lives.
AHF Healthcare Centers are at the center of AHF’s circle of care and have been providing expert medical care to people living with HIV/AIDS for the past 30 years. We are here for you.
