How to convince someone to start ART for HIV?

Question

Hello doctor,

My brother was diagnosed with HIV last month, and he is still trying to process it emotionally. He is afraid to start ART (antiretroviral therapy) because he heard that it causes severe side effects. How can I reassure him that the benefits outweigh the risks? What lifestyle changes should he make to boost his immunity?

Also, is there a way to explain that HIV is not highly contagious in day-to-day activities like sharing meals? I want to help him feel more comfortable with his diagnosis and treatment.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

ART (antiretroviral therapy) medicine is highly reactive, but it is a must to start as early as possible. Precautions to be taken are as follows:

1. Take one antacid on an empty stomach till he is settled to cope with acidity or gastritis.

2. Add a healthy diet, such as milk and milk products, in abundance to lower the side effects as well as to gain weight. Add dry fruits, flax seed, aloe vera, and gooseberry to the diet, which helps in maintaining CD4 (cell differentiation) count and viral load properly.

3. Avoid sharing brushes, towels, and razors.

4. Sharing a bed or food is not the route of transmission.

5. Unprotected sex, use of needles as a drug addict, and blood transfusion are the routes of transmission. He can have sex, but it must be protected. He can lead a normal life with medicine, along with a great life expectancy.

It is just a matter of time; once adopted, there will not be any problem with medicine, just as with regular medicine. Whatever reaction he may face, all these can be treated simply with symptomatic treatment. Sharing meals, touching, and kissing are not the route of transmission at all. You can help him in all aspects, and do not make him feel lonely.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.