HIV Useful Links
HIV TESTING
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/hiv-testing
Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV. If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well. This link will give you more information regarding the test.
WHAT IS HIV?
https://www.aidsmap.com/topic/how-hiv-works
This link will give you information about the immune system, the HIV lifecycle, and how HIV affects the body.
MYTHS ABOUT HIV
https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/myths
There are a lot of myths about how you can get HIV. This link will give you the facts.
HIV & STIGMA
Stigma | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)
https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-stigma/index.html
HIV stigma refers to irrational or negative attitudes, behaviors, and judgments towards people living with or at risk of HIV. Breaking down HIV stigma is a critical part of ending the HIV epidemic. You can play an important role in reducing stigma and discrimination by offering support and speaking out to correct myths and stereotypes about HIV that you hear from others.
HIV AND SLEEP DISORDERS
https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/living-well-hiv/mental-health/sleep
Sleep is an essential part of a healthy life. It is a time when your body is able to rest and repair. Feeling tired is common if you have HIV, although most people will have some problems sleeping at some point in their life. This site will give you advice on how to get a good night’s sleep.
HIV & MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)
Highland Mental Wellbeing – A collection of resources to support mental wellbeing (scot.nhs.uk)
Online MBSR/Mindfulness (Free) (palousemindfulness.com)
Active Health Project — velocity cafe and bicycle workshop (velocitylove.co.uk)
Almost every person faces mental health challenges at some point.
HIV TREATMENT (antiretroviral drugs)
https://www.aidsmap.com/topic/hiv-treatment
People with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment have a normal life expectancy. This link will give you information on the treatments available. You may find that a diagnosis of HIV challenges your sense of well-being or complicates existing mental health conditions. Good mental health will help you live your life to the fullest and is essential to successfully treating HIV. To help manage your mental health, it is important to know when, how, and where to get help.
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Taking daily treatment reduces the HIV virus to an undetectable level which means you cannot pass on the virus during sex.
HIV AND DIABETES
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/type-2-diabetes-and-hiv
People over the age of 40, including people living with HIV, are more likely to develop diabetes. This link describes type 2 diabetes and how it can be managed.
HIV AND THE HEART
This link will give you information to reduce your risk of heart disease.
According to the British Heart Foundation, coronary heart disease (angina, heart attack and heart failure) and stroke are usually caused by a narrowing of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. This is where fatty deposits, known as atheroma, gradually build up on the walls of the arteries, making it harder for blood to get through.