lndividuals infected with HIV can take steps to avoid the onset of AIDS. There are effective treatments available today that can help people living with HIV stay healthy longer than ever before. After someone learns they have HIV, the most important thing they can do for their health is to get regular medical care from a health care provider who is experienced with treating HIV. If your health care provider has prescribed HIV medications, you need to make sure to always take them as directed and not stop taking your medications without first talking to your health care provider.

People living with HIV need to do everything they can to make sure that they do not transmit the virus to others. They also need to protect themselves by avoiding other sexually transmitted infections that can negatively affect their health.

The effects of HIV are global, but the stories are personal. See how others have been affected by HIV and AIDS in our Voices of Experience video series.