HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. A person with HIV is called HIV positive (HIV+). HIV makes it hard for your body to fight off sickness.
There are cells in your blood called “CD4 cells” or “T cells.” These cells help protect your body from disease. HIV kills these cells.
A person with HIV does not have as many of these cells as a healthy person. There is hope. There are drugs that can treat HIV and help people live longer.
These medicines help to keep the virus from building up in your body. These drugs do not stop you from spreading HIV. You can still give the disease to someone else.
People with HIV may need to take 3 or more different medicines every day. You and your doctor will decide which ones are right for you. It is important that you take your HIV medicines everyday.
Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor. Over time, you can get very sick if you do not take your medicines.
Use this guide to help you talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about the HIV medicines you are taking.
This guide provides some basic facts about the HIV medicines that have been approved by the FDA.
