HIV: What You Need to Know Right Now
Worried about HIV or helping someone who is? You don’t need to be an expert to take the right steps. This page gathers clear, practical advice on diagnosis, treatment basics, sticking to meds, and how to buy HIV-related medicines safely online.
Fast facts and first steps
Get tested. Early diagnosis changes everything—treatment works best when started early. If a test is positive, most people begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) to lower viral load and protect the immune system. ART isn’t a cure, but it keeps you healthy and reduces transmission risk.
Ask your provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you’re at high risk, and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) within 72 hours after a possible exposure. Both are proven tools to prevent infection when used correctly.
Medications: what to expect and how to stick with them
ART combines drugs from classes like NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs and INSTIs. Your doctor will pick a regimen based on your health, resistance tests, and side-effect profile. Side effects often ease in a few weeks—tell your clinician about anything that bothers you so they can adjust the plan.
Adherence matters. Missing doses can let the virus rebound and lead to resistance. Use simple tricks: set phone alarms, keep meds by your toothbrush, use a pill organizer, or link doses to a daily habit like coffee. If cost or access is a barrier, ask your clinic about assistance programs and generic options.
Keep routine labs. Viral load and CD4 counts show how treatment is working. Regular check-ins help catch problems early and keep your plan on track.
How to buy HIV meds safely online
Buying meds online can save time and money, but be picky. Choose pharmacies that require a valid prescription, list a physical address and phone number, and use secure checkout (look for https and a padlock icon). If the site ships from a different country, check whether importing is allowed where you live.
Avoid sites that offer prescription meds without a prescription, push unusually low prices, or have lots of negative reviews. Look for accreditation or membership badges (like verified national pharmacy boards or reputable third-party seals) and read real customer reviews outside the vendor’s site.
If you’re unsure about a pharmacy, ask your clinic. They can recommend trusted suppliers or patient assistance programs. Keep records of orders and check meds on arrival—packaging and pill appearance should match your pharmacist’s description.
Living with HIV is manageable with the right care: test early, follow treatment, keep appointments, and use careful judgment when buying meds online. If you need detailed how-tos—like finding discounts or choosing specific drugs—our linked articles walk through those steps in plain language.