Introduction

Thanks to dramatic and ongoing improvements in HIV treatment, most people living with HIV are now living much longer than ever imagined possible. This means that we can now think about our health from a long-term perspective. We can consider the impact of HIV as we age and take care of ourselves with this in mind.

Certainly, it is still important to educate ourselves about the acute health conditions associated with HIV and the short-term side effects of HIV treatment. But it is also important to examine the long-term effects of living with the virus and to care for our bodies, which over the years bear the burden of HIV infection and the long-term side effects of HIV medication.

HIV and, in some cases, the medications used to control it can have many long-term effects—on our bones, our major organs, our hormones, our blood sugar and our cholesterol levels. Even when controlled by antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV causes chronic inflammation that can have cumulative effects on all the major organs and systems of the body. In the brain, this inflammation can lead to cognitive impairment of varying degrees (problems with a person’s memory, thinking and judgment). In the bones, it can lead to accelerated loss of bone density. People with HIV are also at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems. But just as there are many possible long-term effects of HIV and its treatment, there are also many ways, especially if we know our HIV status early on, that we can take our health in hand to prevent or resolve them. 

We hope that this information will help you become—and remain—the healthiest you can be for the longest time possible. It will help you understand more about the ways in which HIV and ART can affect your body and what you can do to prevent and manage long- term health conditions alongside your HIV. 

You may want to read only the sections that relate to specific issues you are experiencing or you may choose to read it from start to finish to promote your overall health and well-being.

Staying up-to-date

What we know about HIV, its treatment and the long-term impact of living with HIV on our bodies is constantly evolving. In this guide, we’ve tried to focus on information not apt to change quickly. Most importantly, don’t forget that none of this information can replace the advice of your healthcare provider.

About the author

Lark Lands, the original author of this guide, provided expert, holistic and practical advice for healthier living with HIV for more than 35 years.  During much of this time she was also a scientific advisor to CATIE. Many of our Practical Guides would not have been possible without her enormous contribution. We mourn her passing and honour her legacy.