Living with HIV

Living With HIV

Living well with HIV/AIDS means more than taking care of your health. Managing relationships, preventing transmission of HIV to others, childbirth and pregnancy, and traveling with HIV are just some areas where being HIV positive presents special challenges.

Here you'll find information and resources to better assist you in living well with HIV.

Please also feel free to contact us for additional support and advice or if there is anything else you require assistance with.

HIV Medication Information

Summary information about HIV medications used in New Zealand and selected drugs under development.
Information in this section is general in nature and is intended to support, not replace, the advice you get from your treating doctor.

More Info

Under 35s Group

As a younger HIV+ person you may feel an added sense of isolation because of your age. Get Connected is a group run by Body Positive solely for those under the age of 35, giving younger people a safe and comfortable environment in which to socialize and connect with other people around your own age.

More Info

HIV and Smoking

Smoking principally interferes with normal lung function, however in people living with HIV the risk of chronic lung disease is significantly increased along with many other conditions such as heart disease, liver problems, strokes and cancer.

More Info

Growing Older with HIV

The impact of HIV on our bodies and on the immune system as we get older is greatly affected by ageing. HIV affects each of us differently. Some people progress to symptoms very quickly, while others live for 20-plus years without any signs of immune suppression or symptoms. Each of us ages differently as well. How well we age and how the ageing of our bodies‘ impacts upon our health is unique to each of us. Therefore, HIV infection - coupled with natural ageing - creates added challenges for maintaining good health.

More Info

HIV Tests and Treatments

This booklet describes the currently available antiviral drugs for the treatment and management of HIV infection. It also describes some common tests used to monitor the health of people with HIV, and how these tests can be used to help you look after your health, or make decisions about starting, stopping or changing antiviral treatments.

More Info

Managing Side Effects

This booklet is for people with HIV who experience side effects from HIV treatments or other physical symptoms that may be due to HIV infection. It is intended as a guide to help you identify the kinds of side effects that some people with HIV experience, and to provide suggestions on how to prevent, manage, reduce or eliminate some common side effects through the use of medicines, complementary and supportive therapies or practical measures.

More Info

Disclosure

Disclosure or telling someone you are HIV positive is a very private and personal step for you to take.

The following information will help you make informed decisions about this important step.

More Info

Travel and Immigration

Travelling around the world can involve new challenges and obstacles as many countries still restrict the entry, residence and stay of foreigners who are HIV+.

More Info

Counselling

Body Positive works with a range of Counsellors both ‘in-house’ and at other locations. All the Counsellors we use or refer to are fully professional members of the NZAC - New Zealand Association of Counselling.

More Info