Care of HIV / Aids Patient
• Sympathetic attitude, family and public support.
• Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins.
• Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs.
• Patient should be advised to use contraceptives with any sexual partner.
• As far as possible the patient should avoid eating food ordered from outside.
• Patient should be encouraged to give up all negative habits i.e. smoking, drinking alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco.
• Patient should drink boiled water.
• Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga.
If patients follow the above general care tips they can live 1-2 years longer.
• Early treatment from the family Doctor on common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc.
• Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.
Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and postphone various complications are now available at selected places in the market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot afford it. Combination of these drugs and blood testing will cost around 1.5 to 2.5 laks. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure him.