Health & treatment
Today, there are such good treatments against HIV that the amount of virus reaches barely measurable levels. The availability of drugs against HIV has increased significantly in the last 10 years. The modern HIV drugs used today are very effective and usually have no or only mild and usually temporary side effects. In order to slow down virus production in the best way, you will receive a combination of several different antiviral drugs. The World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that HIV treatment should be started much earlier than before and for some groups preferably immediately after the HIV diagnosis. It is the doctor’s task to find the combination of medication that suits you best.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself and your health is important for everyone if you want to experience a good quality of life, regardless of HIV status. What is good for people without HIV is extra good for people living with HIV. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits help you feel better both physically and mentally. Quitting smoking is especially important because HIV-positive people may be more prone to bronchial problems, blood clots, and lung cancer.
Vaccination for HIV positive people
The National Board of Health and Welfare recommends that people who are HIV-positive should be vaccinated against pneumococcus. The National Board of Health and Welfare also considers it “good practice” for people living with HIV to be vaccinated against tuberculosis.
The effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) can also affect people living with HIV more than the rest of the population – HPV vaccination can be considered up to the age of 45 for people living with HIV. HPV vaccination is currently part of the general vaccination program for children, i.e. it is free of charge for children in year 5. In Region Stockholm, men living with HIV are offered free HPV vaccination at Venhälsan. It is also possible to be vaccinated privately and pay out of pocket. Since the fall of 2022, vaccination against mpox (so-called monkeypox) is also recommended for people who are considered to be at increased risk of becoming infected, such as people living with HIV and on PrEP. Venhälsan at Södersjukhuset in Stockholm offers mpox vaccination.
You can also get vaccinated against seasonal influenza virus. HIV is not specifically mentioned in the recommendations, talk to your doctor to see if they think you should be vaccinated.
Patient rights for HIV-positive people
From the first of January 2003, the possibility to seek care in all county councils throughout the country applies. This means that you do not need to go to the nearest doctor, but can choose who you want to treat you. In many parts of the country, there are different options when it comes to choosing a healthcare centre. Read more on your county council’s website.
Free care
Patients with a confirmed or suspected public health disease, for example HIV, have the right to free medicines as well as free examination, care, and treatment. In connection with the prescription of medicines or visits for examination, care or treatment, the attending physician must check whether the patient is entitled to free of charge according to the Infection Prevention Act (2004:168).
Dental care for HIV positive people
You who do not have any symptoms can be treated in public or private dentistry according to current policy. If, on the other hand, you have symptoms of your disease, you can be referred to one of the public dental care’s clinics for infection dental care. Here you can get a consultation, treatment of changes in the oral mucosa or complete dental care.
Psychologist
If you are HIV-positive and have psychological problems linked to your HIV infection, you can receive treatment from a psychologist, counselor or therapist free of charge. Your doctor can give you a referral.
You are always, no matter what you want to talk about, welcome to contact us at Noaks Ark.
