Well, I avoid places where people are sick. For instance, when my husband is sick I sleep on the couch; when my friends are sick I choose to not go to their houses. All in all I try my best to stay healthy. A general safe practice is to not eat or drink after anyone else, but it happens. Stay...

"It's best not to get too excited or too depressed by the ups and downs of life."-- Dalai Lama

As we celebrate Pride month – with the theme Rain to Rainbows – I’m reminded of how I had to change my view of rain – I used to hate it - it f*cks-up your clothes and just makes for a dreary day...

I don't think that it will effect me in any way. I use and will continue to use condoms.

I think it's too early to say at this point. There are so many unanswered questions, and much will depend on the conclusive findings of the numerous studies that are currently underway. I can confidently say that it wouldn't have any impact on my practice of disclosure.

At this point,...

PrEP is a prevention method for those at high risk to reduce the chance of contracting the HIV virus. This prevention method is where the high risk individual takes medications that are used to treat HIV and this prevents the spread of the virus. It has been found by the CDC to highly reduce the...

As an HIV positive person and health educator, PrEP can impact my life in positive and negative ways. If I were in a relationship with an HIV negative individual PrEP would serve as helpful secondary line of defense to protect my partner from contracting HIV. Of course the first line of defense...

As an HIV positive person PrEP does not impact me. I always practice safe sex using condoms because I feel safer knowing that I will not pass or get any kind of venereal disease. With condoms I feel that I can enjoy my sex life without endangering anyone. PrEP may help reduce the risk of...

Self-respect affects living with HIV because of the first word, "self." In order to be an effective and prosperous you, loving yourself is the first step. When you love yourself, you want to take care of yourself (taking your medications, being conscience of eating habits and exercise) and you...

As an active role model in the HIV community, individuals look up to me as a proud, healthy and self-respecting person living with HIV. Maintaining a positive face means remembering what has helped me get to where I am today: my treatment, regular doctor appointments, keeping on schedule and...

I can take it back to before I contracted HIV. I was powerless and had no self-respect for myself. I lived a life of prostitution mostly due to being addicted to drugs and alcohol. My self-respect was actually in the toilet. I lost all morals and respect for myself and others. My careless...

Having self-respect matters so much when you’re HIV positive. When you have self-respect, living with HIV, you value your healthcare more. You make sure you take your medication if you're on medication, make your doctor’s appointments, use condoms when having sex so you won't infect others or...

Self-respect is very important when living with HIV. As a transgender woman, I feel that I must show younger generations that it is possible to live with this virus and still be a human being. I maintain my health and my dignity. My family and friends love and respect me for it. They’ve...

I do believe the relationship with one's provider could influence treatment. When mistrust, doubt, and fear of judgement are a part of the patient/provider relationship, this can greatly affect the level of communication. In most instances, less questions are asked and less information is...

"Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." -- Stephen Covey

While I have a great relationship with my physician – he doesn’t influence my treatment adherence. I remember once he told me that if I didn’t take my meds as...

I just transitioned from pediatric care to adult care within the last year, which was one of the hardest things to do when you know you have a good doctor who you’re comfortable with. But I knew I couldn't stay in pediatric care forever since I'm 26 and hanging around 14 year old kids. When I...

I have a very good relationship with my doctor. Before starting new medication I ask around and learn what I can about the various medications available out there. If I didn’t have a relationship like I do with my doctor, I would have to say I would probably be less inclined to stick to my...

Confidence in my doctor plays an important part in my adherence because without absolute trust in your doctor, there will be a gap in communication. This lack of communication can cause major health problems, especially if you are already experiencing complications that require the doctor to run...

I started treatment and began seeing my doctor in 1996. Through it all, he’s always encouraged me to keep an open mind because we would work together in finding the right regimen for me. Since then, I have been on five different regimens. That’s not to say that I didn’t experience problems, but...

Once you’ve decided to start a treatment, try not to stray and stay on that path. If time management is a concern, then take your medication at the same time every day and try not to miss any days. Remember, this virus is very smart and is always looking to mutate or multiply. You do not want it...

How much do you want to LIVE? Take your meds for LIFE.

I'm one of the lucky folks who is on a one-a-day regimen of Atripla. Even with the convenience of one pill, taking it was still an adjustment in the beginning. I found it was helpful to get a pillbox with the days of the week listed (just like the one grandma has). That way I could easily see...

To those people who are starting a regiment, please be patient. It’s going to take some weeks to adjust. You may have some side effects but in the long run you get used to them. It will be well worth your while and save your life too. Stay strong, have faith, and always keep looking good no...

I have been HIV positive for 14 years. I have struggled and fought many battles to get where I am today. At first, I knew nothing about HIV. I thought I was going to die. Going to my doctor’s appointments and being adherent with my regimen just wasn’t a concern of mine because I felt embarrassed...

When I was pregnant and taking my medication, I would put my meds in a pill case that was attached to my key ring so I can remember and I didn’t have to pull out a big bottle when going out.

For me, taking my medication has always been something that I wanted to do. This is because when I first found out I was HIV positive I met a lot of people who weren’t in the best health. Ever since my first bottle 5 years ago I have been 98% adherent and am still on the same regimen. For those...