Life does not end with a diagnosis of HIV. In fact, with proper treatment, people with HIV usually live long healthy lives. HIV can be a manageable chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease. Taking care of your overall health can help you deal with HIV:

• Take your medicines every day
• Get regular medical and dental checkups
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and recreational drug use
• Go easy on alcohol
• Use condoms during sex (it can protect others from getting HIV, prevent unintended pregnancy, and protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases)