Most people get their HIV treatment and care from an out-patient specialist HIV clinic in a hospital with check-ups usually every three to six months.
As well as attending doctor’s appointments, it’s important to go for regular blood tests. They’re vital for keeping an eye on your health and if you have them done a few weeks before your appointment, the results will be ready when you see the doctor.
You can expect your doctor to explain things clearly to you, give you a range of options, offer you the best available treatments, pay attention to your concerns and respect your confidentiality.
In return, it will help your doctor if you ask questions until you understand, tell him or her about your preferences, and talk about any health problems or difficulties taking medicines that you have. Before your appointment, you might find it helpful to make a list of the issues and questions you want to discuss, so that you don’t forget anything.
Apart from doctors, HIV clinics usually have a range of health professionals to help you:
- Staff nurses do most of the routine examinations and tests, and will need to ask you questions about your health.
- Nurse specialists have more in-depth knowledge. At some clinics, you might have your check-up with a nurse specialist, rather than a doctor.
- Pharmacists give you your drugs and can advise you on dealing with any difficulties you have taking them.
- Dieticians can give you advice about food and nutrition. For example they can help if you want to lose weight, if diarrhoea or nausea makes it difficult to eat properly, or if you have to take your treatment with certain types of food.
- Health advisers can give you advice about safer sex and sexual problems.
- ‘Emergency’ or ‘walk-in’ doctors may be available if you have a problem between check-ups and need to see someone quickly.
