Work with your doctor

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. If ignored, it can lead to illness and death. This is why it is so important to get medical care if you find out you have HIV. Do not be afraid to seek a doctor or nurse practitioner with experience in treating HIV-infected patients--he or she can help you to stay well. Most VA doctors who treat HIV are specialists in infectious disease. They work with a team of other health professionals who focus on HIV as a chronic, or lifelong, disease.

Treatments for HIV are not perfect (no medicine is), but can be very effective for many people. A doctor or other health care provider can explain the best options for you.

If you work with your health care provider in planning your care, you can deal with the disease in a way that is best for you.

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