10 Keys to Living Well With HIV

For people who have access to modern HIV treatment and consistent health care, living with HIV today is about much more than survival. It is about living well—supporting both physical health and emotional well-being over the long term.

Living well with HIV looks different for everyone. It is shaped by personal goals, health needs, relationships, and life circumstances. The following ten principles focus on education, self-awareness, and practical steps that can help improve quality of life for people living with HIV.

1. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose

Having a sense of purpose—something that gives meaning to your life—can positively affect both mental and physical health. Purpose may come from work, creativity, learning, helping others, relationships, or personal growth.

An HIV diagnosis can prompt reflection and change, sometimes challenging one’s sense of identity. Reconnecting with what motivates and fulfills you can help reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and support overall well-being.

2. Avoid Tobacco Use

Smoking poses serious health risks for everyone, but it is especially harmful for people living with HIV. Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, and other chronic conditions.

Research shows that smoking can shorten life expectancy more than HIV itself for people who are on effective treatment. Quitting smoking—at any stage—can lead to meaningful improvements in health. Health care providers can offer evidence-based support to help individuals quit successfully.

3. Engage in Meaningful Work or Daily Structure

Employment, volunteering, education, or structured daily activities can support mental health and self-esteem. Meaningful work—paid or unpaid—can foster independence, routine, social connection, and a sense of contribution.

People living with HIV are legally protected from discrimination in many settings, including employment. Support services and training programs can help individuals pursue work or activities aligned with their abilities and goals.

4. Prioritize Nutritious Eating

Nutrition plays an important role in immune function, energy levels, bone and heart health, and inflammation management. Eating balanced meals with adequate nutrients supports overall health and can help prevent or manage conditions often associated with HIV.

Healthy eating may also reduce the need for additional medications and lower the risk of drug interactions. Nutrition needs can vary, so personalized guidance from a health care provider or nutrition professional can be valuable.

5. Use Supplements Carefully

Vitamins, minerals, and supplements are sometimes helpful, but they are not automatically beneficial. Some supplements can interact with HIV medications or may not be necessary if nutritional needs are met through diet.

Before starting any supplement, it is important to discuss it with a health care provider. Supplements should support—not replace—prescribed HIV treatment.

6. Manage Stress and Support Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, depression, and past trauma are common challenges for people living with HIV and can affect both emotional well-being and physical health. Chronic stress may influence immune function and overall treatment outcomes.

Learning to recognize stressors and developing coping strategies—such as counseling, mindfulness practices, physical activity, or peer support—can improve quality of life. Mental health care is an essential part of comprehensive HIV care.

7. Pay Attention to Overall Health, Not Just HIV

With effective HIV treatment, many people live long lives and face the same health concerns as the general population, including heart disease, cancer, bone loss, and kidney or liver conditions.

Regular medical checkups, preventive screenings, and early attention to symptoms help detect and manage these conditions. Treating the whole person—not just the virus—is key to long-term wellness.

8. Build Healthy, Supportive Relationships

Everyone deserves respect, safety, and emotional support. Healthy relationships—whether with partners, family, friends, or community—can strengthen mental health and resilience.

Self-acceptance is an important foundation. Feeling worthy of care and connection can help individuals make decisions that protect their well-being, including setting boundaries and seeking supportive environments.

9. Prevent and Treat Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Maintaining an undetectable HIV viral load prevents sexual transmission of HIV (U=U), but it does not protect against other STIs. Regular screening, safer sex practices, and timely treatment are important aspects of sexual health.

Some STIs can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Vaccinations, such as HPV vaccination when appropriate, may also play a role in prevention.

10. Reduce Harm From Alcohol and Drug Use

Heavy alcohol use and recreational drug use can interfere with HIV treatment, damage organs, and increase the risk of other health problems. Substance use can also affect mental health and stability.

Reducing use, practicing harm-reduction strategies, or seeking treatment and recovery support can significantly improve both quality and length of life. Help is available, and support can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

Living Well Is a Journey

Living well with HIV is not about perfection—it is about ongoing learning, self-care, and support. With effective treatment, informed choices, and compassionate care, people living with HIV can lead full, meaningful lives.