Treatments for HIV infection are becoming increasingly complex and are always changing. Often the best practices of a year ago are replaced by different methods of treatment as a result of newer understandings of HIV pathogenesis.

This means that your body has come into contact with HIV and has produced antibodies to fight the infection.

Being HIV+ does not mean that you are sick or that you are dying.

And it does not mean that you have AIDS.

It can be a very frightening time because of the many myths surrounding the issue of HIV infection. You may want to talk to someone about your concerns. If you do, you can call HIV & Sexual Health Connect Line on free-call 1800 038 125 for confidential advice and information over-the-phone. If you would like face-to-face counselling, you can access the VAC/GMHC Counselling Services at the Peter Knight Centre, at 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra. To do so, please telephone the Duty Worker - 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays) - on (03) 9865 6700 (or free-call 1800 134 840 for country callers).

For more information about an HIV diagnosis, please click on the link below.

HIV: Day One

Healthopedia

Please click on the link below to view a PDF guide to side effects, written in non-technical language. The booklet provides accurate and supportive information about:

• the risk of side effects and other questions that are important for people about to start treatment;
  
• how side effects are recorded and reported;
  
• using TDM to manage side effects;
  
• changing treatment; and,
  
• developing a good relationship with your doctor.

Avoiding & Managing Side Effects (PDF)

Lipodystrophy

Some HIV medications can cause side effects. One of these is an alteration to fat metabolism which can result in fat re-distribution causing a change in body shape. Can anything be done to prevent this or treat it if it does occur? Please click on the link below which gives an overview of some information.

AEGIS

Mitochondrial Toxicity

Some HIV medications can be toxic to mitochondria, which are tiny organelles in the cytoplasm of cells responsible for energy production. The result can be lactic acidosis and fat loss from the face, arms and legs. Please click on the link below for information on prevention and treatment of this side effect.

The Body

Structured Treatment Interruptions, aka ‘Drug Holidays’

People on HIV treatment for a long time can become treatment fatigued and may want to take a rest from the routine of HIV medications. This is something that should only be attempted under strict supervision, if at all. More often than not, resistance develops to the successful drugs you are taking and it may limit your future options. Please clilck on the links below for more information.

Backgrounds

Interruption

Adherence to HIV Treatment Regimens

Taking HIV medications on time, every time, all the time, is difficult. Unless compliance to HIV treatment medications is in excess of 95%, viral resistance and treatment failure is almost guaranteed. Get help in managing taking your medications. More information can be found at the link below.

The Body

Immune Restoration

Because HIV damages your immune system, repairing this damage is an important factor in remaining well.

New link to be added soon.