Self-Care Guidelines
Even without symptoms, you can pass (transmit) the virus to others. Patients with PHI are 10 times more likely to transmit HIV than will patients who are in the chronic phase of HIV infection. If you think you might have been exposed to someone with HIV or if you have any of the known risk factors yourself (see the list under "Who Gets It"), avoid sexual activity, stop using needles to inject street drugs, and seek medical care and testing.
If you are infected, find a competent doctor who understands HIV. Eat healthy food. Keep up with immunizations. Avoid smoking and illegal drug use. Get enough exercise and rest. And you should also avoid other infections your immune system might have trouble fighting. You can do this by washing your hands thoroughly and often, by learning how to deal with pets and other animals, by avoiding unpasteurized or raw foods, and by drinking pure water.
If you choose to use any over-the-counter medicine or supplements or alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, be sure to let your doctor know about them.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any individual with flu-like symptoms and/or risk factors for HIV (see the list under "Who Gets It") should avoid sexual activity, stop any non-medical needle use, and seek medical care and testing.
Signs and Symptoms
