Living HIV Positive

We’ve included some basic information about living with HIV in this section. You may also want to download Managing Your Health: A guide for people living with HIV, available from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE).

Getting Care

People living with HIV today are able to lead much longer and healthier lives than was possible in the past. There are medications that help you from getting opportunistic infections, and medications that are intended to combat the HIV virus itself, although they haven’t yet proved effective at getting rid of the virus altogether. There are also many resources to help you learn about HIV and figure out how to continue living a healthy and happy life – both socially and sexually. We’ve included some resources at the end of this section.

In addition to taking medications, connecting with a team of people who are knowledgeable and caring can help you get through the moments when it is difficult to help yourself. Some hospitals and community health centres have services beyond basic medical treatment. Some services that you may consider accessing include counselors, community support groups, and resources that inform you about HIV, AIDS, and your health.