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Living with HIV AIDS? Learn to manage your stress well

Written by Editorial Team | Published : April 3, 2019 3:22 PM IST

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HIV-2

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens your immune system making you more susceptible to various infections and diseases. If left untreated, this virus can lead to the deadly disease: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Some estimates suggest that HIV and AIDS have caused more than 25 million deaths in the last 30 years. According to a 2017 report by WHO, around 34 million people are currently living with HIV infection. Since this virus impairs your defence mechanism, it becomes difficult to lead a healthy, normal life with it HIV. However, if you take the required precautions, you can live healthy even after testing positive for with HIV. Here, we share 5 lifestyle measures to help you live better with HIV AIDS.

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Quit-smoking

Quit smoking: Kicking the butt is helpful for you in more ways than one and it can work wonders for you if you are living with HIV. It will reduce your risk of developing diseases that you are more likely get as an HIV AIDS patient. Those ailments include lung and other types of cancer, heart disorders, pneumonia, etc. Also, quitting smoking can east your HIV-symptoms. Also Read - Summer makeup rescue: 7 quick hacks to fix melted makeup and stay fresh in extreme heat

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Drugs-and-alcohol (1)

Avoid drug and alcohol abuse: Going overboard with alcohol and drugs can lead to depression that can be catastrophic for your immune system. Also, when you avoid drugs, you can cut down on the risk of developing HIV-induced dementia.

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Weird-signs-of-stress

Manage your stress level: Stress can make you more likely to develop a disease or catch an infection because it leads to the secretion of certain hormones that can affect your immune system. Stress and depression are commonly associated with HIV. Hence, you should manage your stress by meditating or visiting a mental health expert, if required. Deep breathing and exercise can also help.

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Sexually-transmitted-diseases-1

Check for STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases can make the HIV infection spread at an increased pace inside your body. Also, if you’re tested positive for HIV, it will make it difficult for your doctor to treat STDs. Most of the STDs don’t show any symptoms and the only way to diagnose them is to get yourself tested. Your doctor can diagnose STDs with the help of blood tests and urine tests. Also, since symptoms are hard to find, in some cases, he may recommend you undergo Sexual transmitted infection screening test. Also Read - Heatwaves in India: How extreme summer temperatures are putting children at risk of dehydration, infections, and heatstroke