• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
    • Wellness on the Yard
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Immunocompromised Care
    • Top Blacks in Healthcare
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / HIV/AIDS / Day 1: Just Diagnosed with HIV

Day 1: Just Diagnosed with HIV

HIV

Being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be devastating. Fortunately, doctors have good news for the thousands of African Americans who get this diagnosis every year. While it’s true that HIV weakens the immune system and can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), it doesn’t have to get to that stage. With the proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can live well with the virus. Here’s how your health management may have to change after your diagnosis. 

1. You May Need A Different Doctor

While a general practitioner is usually able to handle your care, some people may need to work with an HIV specialist.

Apart from offering specialized care to those who have been diagnosed with the virus, a specialist’s services may also include guidance on nutrition and counseling. If you feel this would meet your needs, make sure to talk to your doctor about the available options. 

2. There Will Be Scheduled Visits

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will need to see you regularly. These visits will be necessary to follow up on how you’re feeling and how well your medications are working.

You May Also Like
Real Housewives Star Describes Terrifying Medical Experience!

Since HIV has some serious complications, your doctor will want to look for early signs of illnesses such as pneumocystis pneumonia, thrush, cryptococcal meningitis, tuberculosis, and lymphoma. 

3. Regular Blood Tests Are A Given

Your initial HIV diagnosis won’t be your last blood test. Regular tests will be used to track your viral load as this is how doctors determine if your medication regimen is working.

With the right drugs, your load should show signs of decreasing over time. In fact, the aim is to get to the point where the viral load can’t be detected by the blood tests at all. Bear in mind that it’s not a cure, it only means that the virus is under control.

RELATED: Your Guide to HIV Medications

4. You’ll Have A Medical Regimen

The drugs that are used to manage HIV are known as antiretrovirals and a wide range of them are available. They are usually divided into categories based on how they work. For example, nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) interfere with how the virus

Continue Reading

The Latest In HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS status

Do You Know Your HIV/AIDS Status?

Have you had your Flu shot this year? What was your last total cholesterol and LDL level ? Have you had your scheduled mammogram to screen for Breast cancer? Have you had a colonoscopy or Cologuard to screen for colon read more about Do You Know Your HIV/AIDS Status?
HIV and nails

Nails & HIV: Is Your Nail Salon Using Protection?

When getting a much-needed mani or pedi, usually the only things to worry about are a long wait or your favorite color being out of stock. Unfortunately, some potential dangers may also be lurking in the salon that aren't so read more about Nails & HIV: Is Your Nail Salon Using Protection?
HIV testing

Ignoring the Call: The Dangers of Avoiding STD and HIV Testing

In a world filled with a plethora of health issues to take heed to, the significance of regular STD and HIV testing often takes a back seat. Ignorance may seem blissful, but when it comes to sexually transmitted infections, turning read more about Ignoring the Call: The Dangers of Avoiding STD and HIV Testing
Magic Johnson

Black History of Health: Magic Johnson

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson showed his love for basketball at an early age and started playing the game in eighth grade. Still, it wasn’t until he was 15 that he was given the nickname that would stick with him throughout his read more about Black History of Health: Magic Johnson
Rae Lewis-Thornton

Rae Lewis-Thornton On Living Well With HIV: The Earlier You Start Treatment, The Better

I’ve been living with HIV for 40 years, however, I didn’t learn of my status until almost three and half years later. For sure I survived the most difficult period of the AIDS pandemic. We have gone from no medication, read more about Rae Lewis-Thornton On Living Well With HIV: The Earlier You Start Treatment, The Better
arthur ashe

Black History of Health: Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe accomplished many firsts in his lifetime.  In 1963, the gifted tennis player made history as the first Black player to compete for the U.S. Davis Cup team. A few years later, Arthur became the first Black male to read more about Black History of Health: Arthur Ashe

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

Actress Marsai Martin Diagnosed with Ovarian Cysts: “Pain is Not Normal”

Actress Marsai Martin Diagnosed with Ovarian Cysts: “Pain is Not Normal”

Relieve Bunion Pain Without Surgery

bunion pain

Pregnancy and Fibroids? 6 Facts Black Women Need To Know

Pregnancy and Fibroids

5 Ways to Tackle Your Sugar Cravings Instantly!

sugar cravings

The Hidden Ways Your Skin Color Dictates Your Endo Care

endo care
Find a Culturally Sensitive Doctor

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Resource Centers

  • Clinical Trials
  • Wellness on the Yard
  • Cancer
  • Immunocompromised Care
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.