Sometimes, life issues can keep people with HIV from going to their doctor and taking their meds. When this happens, the amount of HIV in a person’s body increases, making it easier for them to get sick. It also makes it easier for them to pass HIV to others.
It’s important to know that if you have stopped going to your doctor or taking your meds, you can restart at any time. The sooner, the better.
Some people worry about how their provider or case manager will react. No one will judge you or scold you. Your provider and case manager want you to live as healthy and well as possible. They will work hard to get you back in care quickly.
The easiest way to get back in care is to work with someone who can help you find a provider, enroll in programs and services, and offer support and encouragement.
FAM210.com provides free, confidential support and connection to care by chat, email, or phone. Services are provided by caring people living with HIV.
You may be worried about paying for medical care. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for programs that can provide free or low cost HIV care, such as CareLink and the Texas HIV Medication Program .
If you have health insurance, you may still have out-of-pocket medical costs for co-pays, meds or deductibles. There may be programs that can help you pay these costs.
Ask about these programs, even if you think you make too much money to qualify. Some programs help people with a wide range of income levels and needs.
To learn more, call Yvonne at 210-644-1311 or Brian at 210-358-6833.
If you haven’t been taking HIV meds for a while, there may be a large amount of HIV in your body. This can affect your health and make is possible for you to pass HIV to others.
It’s extremely important that you to tell your sexual partners you have HIV. Everyone who may have been exposed to HIV through sex or sharing needles needs to get tested.
If you are uncomfortable talking to your partners about your HIV diagnosis, the public health department can help. They have caring, trained staff that can reach out to your partners for you. No one will use your name. All you need to do is share some contact information - even just a screen name or email is helpful.
For help telling your partners, call the Metro Health STD/HIV Clinic at 210-207-8830.
