Learning that you have HIV changes your life. You may feel many different emotions, and you may not know where to turn now that you know your diagnosis. Visiting this website is a great start. While you may feel shocked, you can start your journey with HIV by first focusing on these important steps:

Find a healthcare provider who knows HIV very well — an HIV specialist. You will need to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your HIV. It is important to find someone you trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

With help from an AIDS Service Organization (ASO), you may find other support for your care. This may include talking with someone who is living with and managing their HIV.

Find ways to cope with your diagnosis and help reveal HIV status to others.

There have been advances in the treatment of HIV. Newer medicines offer dosing convenience and improved tolerability. And, the DHHS Guidelines for initiating HIV therapy in patients new to treatment have been updated. Starting HIV treatment earlier, when your T-cell count is at or below 500, is one of several factors to consider, because it may help preserve your immune system and possibly avoid some long-term complications. Talk to your doctor about a plan that may lead to a longer, healthier life.

Try to keep this in mind as you start living and learning with HIV. Explore HIVTreatmentIsPower.com to find information that can help you get back to living your life.