Your HIV clinic will closely monitor all aspects of your health that are related to HIV. However, it’s also important to register with a GP (family doctor), who will be able to look after your general health needs that aren’t related to HIV. For example, GPs are well-placed to help with other long-term conditions such as hay fever, asthma and high blood pressure, mental health problems and conditions related to getting older. Your GP may prescribe medication to deal with these conditions; it’s important you discuss the possibility of interactions between these and any HIV treatment or other medication you are on.

You can find out more about common drug interactions in our booklet Anti-HIV drugs.

You may have your cardiovascular risk checked at your GP surgery, your annual cervical screening done there, or get any vaccinations you need, including the annual flu vaccination recommended for people with HIV.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is an important way of staying well with HIV. Your GP can help you with things such as eating well and losing weight, doing exercise, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol and drug use. Community pharmacies can also offer advice on healthy living, losing weight and stopping smoking.

Telling your GP that you are HIV positive will help them have a full picture of your health to ensure you get the best possible care. For example, they will be able to take HIV into account in assessing any symptoms you have. And, if you are taking anti-HIV drugs, your GP will consider potential interactions with any other medications you need.

You can find your nearest GP on NHS Choices’ service finder at www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories, or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, which will be able provide you with details of GPs in your area. Your HIV clinic may also have a list of GPs.

The website https://tht.iwantgreatcare.org, set up in association with the Terrence Higgins Trust, is a place where people can leave anonymous reviews of doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers. You might want to see if any GPs local to you get a positive review about treating people with HIV. 

The NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can provide help and advice on using its health services. Visit its website at www.pals.nhs.uk for more information.