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LivLife

Your journey with HIV

Learn more about how to navigate every step of your journey with HIV - from newly diagnosed to managing your treatment and living well.

  • Newly diagnosed

  • Telling others

  • Starting treatment

  • Managing my treatment

  • Talking to my doctor

  • Living well

  • HIV Diagnosis Stories and Support

    A new diagnosis of HIV can feel overwhelming. We’ve gathered some resources to help you adjust and find your way through. Find out more…

  • How to share your HIV Positive Status?

    When you do decide to tell someone, it may help to think about who, when and how you tell them. Find out more…

  • What to know about starting HIV treatment

    Knowing a bit about HIV medication types and experience-based tips from others can help you get off to the right start – and stay on treatment. Find out more…

  • HIV Medicines and Side Effects

    Be open and honest with your doctor about how things are going with your HIV medicine to make sure you’re getting the optimal treatment. Find out more…

  • Education on HIV Medications and Treatments

    Working closely with your healthcare team, including building a relationship with them and preparing for appointments, can help you see more benefits from HIV treatment. Find out more…

  • Long-Term HIV Treatment and Ageing

    Living well with HIV for the long term can bring both opportunities and challenges. Engaging with your treatment and working with your healthcare team can help. Find out more…

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Our mission is to provide a platform for people living with HIV to empower one another by sharing relevant, up to date information.

Newly diagnosed
Telling others
Starting treatment
Managing my treatment
Talking to my doctor
Living well
Newly diagnosed
Telling others
Starting treatment
Managing my treatment
Talking to my doctor
Living well
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Tom’s Journey with HIV

Tom’s journey with HIV started in 2011. He was disappointed by the resources he found so decided to educate himself so that he could educate others. His story shows how you can grow from the initial dark days of HIV diagnosis and positively thrive.
Managing my treatment

Getting HIV support from your healthcare team

From planning your questions and researching your symptoms prior to your appointments, Angelina explains how to make the most out of visits with your Health Care Professionals.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: the Story of Helen and Rosa

Helen is a woman living with HIV in Belgium. Whilst visiting a doctor about a foot problem, she was diagnosed with HIV. Helen has managed difficult personal challenges with help from health care professionals and friends like Rosa. This is her story.
Living well

Your HIV healthcare team

Robert offers advice on making sure your healthcare team are supporting you both physically and mentally so you can continue to thrive with HIV.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: the Story of Paida and Mavis

Paida is 20 years old and living with HIV. When she was just 11, Paida found out that her mother, Mavis, had transmitted the infection to her at birth. After years of hiding her diagnosis, Paida finally publicly disclosed her status. The courage to face the stigma at such a young age set her “free” and allowed her to understand HIV and her treatment options. This is their story.
Starting treatment

HIV Treatment: Knowledge is Power

HIV is a virus that invades the body and attacks its natural defences. But there are treatments available that control the virus so that people living with HIV can lead long and fulfilling lives.
Managing my treatment

HIV treatment: reasons to review it

Robert tells us why it is good to discuss all of the available HIV treatments with your doctor and how you should never settle for less than the best for you.
Living well

UNAIDS 90-90-90: adding a fourth 90 goal

In this article Robert gives an in-depth account of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 initiative and the importance of establishing a fourth 90.
Talking to my doctor

Talking to my doctor about HIV: Moritz’s Journey with HIV

At 22, Moritz, with Michael by his side, received his HIV diagnosis. Through education, a holistic approach and open conversations with doctors and others living with HIV, Moritz has found a therapy that suits him so he can continue to thrive with HIV.
Living well

Living with HIV and ageing

Tom chats to us about care support for the older members of our HIV community and taking your health into your own hands. Read on to find out more about living with HIV and ageing.
Living well

HIV lifestyle: tips for over 50s

Living with HIV? Brad shares his top HIV lifestyle tips for keeping your body, mind and soul in great condition, including everything from regular exercise, to surrounding yourself with positive people and more.
Talking to my doctor

Talking to my doctor about HIV: the Story of Xiana and Patricia

Xiana is a woman living with HIV in Spain. After a health check, Xiana learned she had contracted the virus. With support from her friend Patricia, Xiana has become proactive in managing her HIV care holistically and discussing her treatment options with her doctor. This is her story.
Living well

People living with HIV over 50

Want to know about HIV and ageing? Brad provides some perspective and recommendations for over 50s who are dealing with a recent HIV diagnosis. Find out more.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Brad's Story

Hear Brad talk about his approach to HIV treatment and his tips on remembering to take his medicine.
Newly diagnosed

HIV support groups for advice

There are many people and organisations that can provide advice and support following a positive HIV diagnosis.
Living well

HIV Treatment: George's Story

Hear George’s story on living with HIV for over 20 years. Now 93-years-young, learn how George’s medicine has helped him improve his health and wellbeing.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment Tips: Samantha's Story

Take a look at some top tips for managing your HIV treatment from Samantha, including suggestions to help you remember to take your medicine and recall important topics to discuss at your appointments.
Living well

Guide to living with HIV in later life

Learn more about living with HIV long-term, including treatment, side effects and managing other health conditions.
Managing my treatment

Changing HIV Medicine

It’s okay to speak up if your treatment doesn’t suit you. Here you can learn more about why you might need to switch treatments, and the questions you may want to ask if you do.
Living well

People Living With HIV: Keeping healthy

Read about why exercising regularly is important to successfully managing your HIV.
Talking to my doctor

HIV Medication: Talking to your doctor

Learn more about when you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor. It’s good to let them know of any changes or concerns.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Angelina's Story

Hear Angelina talk about her first HIV treatment and its side effects. Initially managing them herself, she spoke to her doctor and switched treatments.
Living well

Becoming HIV Undetectable: Tom's Story

Hear how Tom felt after being told his HIV was undetectable. Learn about its positive impact on his self-esteem and relationship with his partner.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Guillermo's Story

Hear Guillermo’s story about being diagnosed with HIV and how important the support of his friends was when coming to terms with the diagnosis.
Living well

Living With HIV: Diet and keeping healthy

Read about how eating a well-balanced diet will help ensure you live a longer, healthier life with HIV.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Sarah's Story

Hear Sarah’s story on being diagnosed with HIV, and how understanding her treatment has empowered her to talk openly with her doctor.
Living well

Becoming HIV Undetectable: Samantha's Story

Hear how Samantha felt after being told her HIV was undetectable. See how it made a positive impact on her self-esteem since becoming HIV-positive.
Living well

Becoming HIV Undetectable: Robert's Story

Hear how Robert felt after being told he was undetectable. Learn about its positive impact on his health and confidence since becoming HIV-positive.
Living well

Becoming HIV Undetectable: Brad's Story

Hear Brad talk about how his HIV affected him for almost 30 years. Now, he explains how becoming undetectable has changed his view on life for the better.
Talking to my doctor

HIV Treatment: Doctor's appointments

Learn how to get the most out of an appointment with your doctor. Read the Positive Perspectives Survey to see how others living with HIV feel discussing their health concerns.
Living well

Becoming HIV Undetectable: Angelina's Story

Hear Angelina talk honestly about how becoming undetectable made her feel more comfortable talking about being HIV-positive.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Tom's Story

Hear Tom talk about the side effects of his first HIV medicine. After talking to his doctor, he has now found a treatment that works for him.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Samantha's Story

Hear Samantha offer advice on regularly taking your HIV medicine. She talks about using a pill box and an alarm on her phone as part of her routine.
Managing my treatment

HIV Treatment: Robert's Story

Hear Robert talk about how his HIV medicine has changed over the last decade. He also offers advice on talking to your doctor about your treatment.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Robert’s Story

Hear how Robert was diagnosed as HIV-positive in his early thirties, following the break-up of a long-term relationship.
Managing my treatment

Side effects? You’re not alone - talk to your healthcare professional

If you experience side effects with your HIV medication, you should feel confident discussing these with your healthcare team. Read on for some tips to help you get started.
Newly diagnosed

Tom's Story

Take a look at some top tips for newly diagnosed people, written by Tom following his own experience of being diagnosed as HIV-positive.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Brad’s Story

Hear how Brad, originally from the US, lived as a homosexual man through the 1980s. His HIV diagnosis came following a screening for hepatitis.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Angelina’s Story

Hear how Angelina felt following her HIV diagnosis, and how the death of her brother from HIV affected her feelings about the future.
Newly diagnosed

Experiences of people living with HIV

We surveyed over 1,000 people living with HIV. You can learn more about their experiences of being diagnosed with HIV here.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Tom’s Story

Hear how Tom found out about his HIV diagnosis whilst on holiday and the experience he had with his healthcare team.
Starting treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy: Tom's Story

Hear how Tom initially had difficulties talking with his doctors after being diagnosed as HIV-positive.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Samantha’s Story

Hear how Samantha felt after visiting a sexual health clinic, an experience she admits felt strange, and the help she received from a support centre.
Starting treatment

Facing fears of HIV Treatments

Hear how other people living with HIV have faced the challenges of starting HIV treatment. Their advice may help you to get started with your own treatment.
Starting treatment

HIV Medications: What are the types available?

Learn more about the different types of HIV treatment available and how they work to control HIV.
Starting treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy: Samantha's Story

Hear how Samantha felt starting treatment five years after her HIV diagnosis, and how she spoke to her doctor following treatment side effects.
Starting treatment

HIV treatment: True or False?

Test your knowledge around starting HIV treatment, including side effects, getting into a routine and having a say on your treatment.
Starting treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy: Robert's Story

Hear how Robert started treatment for his HIV over ten years ago, and how an honest conversation with his doctor made him reflect on his treatment.
Starting treatment

Starting Treatment: Robert’s Story

Take a look at some top tips from Robert based on his experience of starting HIV treatment.
Starting treatment

Guide to HIV Antiretroviral therapy

Learn key facts about HIV treatment, including taking long-term medicines, treatment resistance and talking to your doctor about your concerns.
Starting treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy: Brad's Story

Hear Brad talk about the lack of HIV treatment options when he was diagnosed over 20 years ago.
Starting treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy: Angelina's Story

Hear how Angelina felt about starting treatment for her HIV, and how she worked with her doctor to find a treatment suitable for her.
Starting treatment

Positive Perspectives Survey: Awareness of HIV treatments

We surveyed over 1,000 people living with HIV. Here you can learn more about their experiences with starting treatment.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: Robert's Story

Hear Robert talk about his experience of telling his parents, as well as others, about being diagnosed with HIV.
Telling others

Angelina’s Story

Take a look at some top tips, written by Angelina, about sharing your HIV status.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: Brad's Story

Hear how Brad felt when telling others about his HIV, and how living through the 1980s and 1990s shaped how he feels about his HIV.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: Angelina's Story

Hear how Angelina felt when telling others about her HIV, and how she waited over two years to talk to her mother about her status.
Talking to my doctor

HIV Patient Survey: Positive Perspectives

We surveyed over 1,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV). Here you can find out how they felt about diagnosis, treatment and talking with their healthcare team.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: Tom's Story

Hear how Tom told his best friend about his HIV diagnosis and his advice on how to let others know.
Telling others

Telling others about living with HIV: Samantha's Story

Hear Samantha talk about her experience of telling others about being HIV-positive. Listen to Samantha’s advice on feeling empowered when telling people.
Telling others

Share your HIV status with others

Learn more about sharing your HIV status, including who to tell, how and when to tell them and the support available to you.
Telling others

HIV Stigma and Discrimination

We surveyed over 1,000 people living with HIV. Find out about their experiences with telling others about their status.
Living well

HIV Positive and Undetectable: What does it mean?

Learn more about HIV and being undetectable, including what it means for you, your health and your partner(s).
Living well

Long-term HIV Antiretroviral Treatment

Learn more about taking long-term HIV treatment, including managing side effects and taking medicines for other health conditions.
Managing my treatment

Managing your HIV Medication

Having to take regular medication is a nuisance but Angelina’s adherence top tips are here to help you stay on track with your HIV treatment.
Living well

Menopause and HIV in Women

Going through the menopause is a big change for anyone, but it can be even harder when you have HIV. Angelina explains what to expect from, and how best to deal with, the menopause.
Telling others

How to share your HIV Status with others

Sharing your HIV status is a big step but doesn’t have to feel so daunting. In 10 helpful tips, Angelina has shared her own personal advice to help make the process easier.
Managing my treatment

HIV Medication: How to manage Side Effects

The prospect of HIV medication side effects can be scary. In this article, Robert shares his advice on proactively managing them – including staying properly hydrated to adopting a healthy lifestyle and more.
Starting treatment

When to start HIV Treatment

Robert discusses the pros and cons of starting HIV treatment sooner rather than later – from finding the right HIV medicine to removing any chance of passing the virus on.
Telling others

Ways of reducing HIV Stigma

Angelina talks about how the language surrounding HIV can be used to empower rather than stigmatise people living with HIV. Discover her helpful tips to become more mindful and help educate others.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Diagnosis: Sam’s Story

Being diagnosed with HIV can feel like extremely overwhelming. In this helpful article, Sam talks about how to build yourself back up after receiving your diagnosis.
Talking to my doctor

HIV Care: Who treats what?

Starting HIV treatment for the first time? Tom helps us keep tabs on which member of your healthcare team looks after which aspects of your HIV care.
Newly diagnosed

HIV Myths and Misconceptions

Join Samantha as she busts some common HIV myths and explains how education is vital in the fight against stigma and discrimination.
Newly diagnosed

What happens at my HIV Clinic?

Tom explains what to expect from your first time at the HIV clinic. From how you can get the most out of your visit to meeting your doctors and more.

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  • Newly diagnosed
  • Telling others
  • Starting treatment
  • Managing my treatment
  • Talking to my doctor
  • Living Well
  • Undetectable = Untransmittable
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  • Positive Perspectives

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NP-GBL-HVU-WCNT-200004 October 2020