- The most important to understand about the HIV virus is that it is not a death sentence. HIV is the preliminary stage of the AIDS virus, and with medical treatments and careful management of the body, there can be very little progression in the virus. As drugs get better and doctors develop more effective treatments, there are longer periods before AIDS is diagnosed. Magic Johnson is a well known example of a patient who significantly slowed the onset of the virus.
- If your concerned about living with HIV/AIDS or someone you know with the virus, the best thing you can do is research treatments. Your doctor knows medicine, but he doesn't know you. Patients experience the most success when they are connected with their path of treatment, either because they have chosen it or have become knowledgeable about the process before beginning.
- Keeping a positive eye toward future horizons will allow treatment to become a patient's primary but not overwhelming focus. The treatment is immediate, but considering future plans is imperative to maintaining the will to keep up with medications, therapies and other important priorities.
