YOU ARE HERE:
Looking after yourself
It's important that you get your HIV care from a specialist HIV treatment centre. If you are not already a patient at one and don't know how to find one, then ring one of the helplines listed at the back of this booklet.
Organisations such as Positively Women and Body and Soul provide specialist services and support to women with HIV.
Your local HIV agency or council should be able to offer help and advice if you are having problems with housing or money.
The booklet in this series, Nutrition provides some information on food, nutrition, exercise and HIV infection, and could be a good place to start if you have questions about any of these issues.
Don't forget your own health needs if you have responsibilities for looking after others. If you are finding it difficult to cope, ask for help from somebody at your HIV clinic, local HIV organisation, council, or an organisation such as Positively Women.
Deciding who to tell that you are HIV-positive can be difficult. Before you decide to tell somebody, take time to think about the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Think how you would respond if a person reacts badly, is upset, or even threatening. Remember, it is up to you who you tell and when you tell them. But it's equally important to remember that many people tell their partners, family, friends and colleagues about being HIV-positive and receive wonderful support.
Your medical records are confidential and nobody can see them without your consent. If you are worried about telling somebody that you have HIV, or are concerned about somebody finding out, then ask for help. The chances are that your HIV clinic, HIV support agency or council social services will be able to offer support.