Together, we can prevent and control HIV and AIDS. Let's make the world healthier!

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

• HIV stands for 'human immunodeficiency virus'. This is the virus that, if not detected and treated, can lead to AIDS. This is why regular HIV testing is so important.
• AIDS stands for 'acquired immunodeficiency syndrome' and is also called 'Advanced HIV'.
  • It is the last (most advanced) stage of HIV infection. At this point, the immune system's CD4 cells (white blood cells that fight infection) have decreased dramatically.
• Lifestyle changes and the right medicine can help to keep the virus at bay. Many people live with HIV for many years without developing AIDS.

Do you know your HIV status? If not, make time to be screened.

Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health, explains why knowing your HIV status is a good idea: "If you test positive for HIV, you can take steps to get treatment and support. Knowing your status is key to keeping yourself as healthy as possible through supportive lifestyle habits like healthy eating and regular physical activity. It's also key to protecting others by preventing the transmission of HIV to them." HIV tests are quick and easy. They only require a few drops of blood from a finger prick, with results available within minutes."
"Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) members have access to a Screening and Prevention benefit which covers checks for various chronic conditions - usually done as part of an annual Health Check - including screening for HIV."

• DHMS pays for your Health Check from your Screening and Prevention Benefit. This means that it won't affect your day-to-day benefits. Read the benefit guide here.
• If you are a Vitality member, you can also get points for doing your Health Check. Vitality members will earn 7,500 Vitality points for their first HIV test and 1,000 points for each yearly test after that. Find out more.
• Until the end of December 2024, DHMS members aged two years and over can activate their WELLTH fund by completing their Health Check. The WELLTH Fund provides up to R10,000 per family for an expanded range of screening and prevention healthcare services (over and above what's already covered by the Screening and Prevention benefit). Find out more about the WELLTH Fund.

Dr Nematswerani adds: "Everyone should prioritise safe sex by using a male or female condom to prevent the spread of HIV. If you are at high risk of becoming infected with HIV, you can use medicine known as pre-exposure preventative therapy, or PrEP, to prevent infection. DHMS members can apply for PrEP through the Discovery Health website or on your Discovery Health App."

• - DHMS members can also access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) ARV treatment after they have been exposed to HIV to prevent infection. You can access PEP from a pharmacy and then call DHMS on 0860 100 417 to notify one of the dedicated case managers.

Stick to your HIV treatment and live a long and healthy life

"People who are diagnosed with HIV can live long and healthy lives if they stick to the treatment they are prescribed and see their doctor regularly for check-ups and blood tests," says Dr Nematswerani.
If you are diagnosed with HIV, your doctor will prescribe antiretroviral treatment (ART). This is medicine which you will take for the rest of your life to treat your condition. If you take ART as prescribed, you will reduce your viral load (the amount of the virus in your blood) to a very low level. Your viral load might become so low, that a standard lab won't be able to detect it.
"It is important to take your ART correctly. If you don't, the medicine can stop working properly and will result in you requiring more complex treatments for your condition," explains Dr Nematswerani. "This allows the virus a chance to multiply and overpower your immune system which may result in you becoming sick. Keep in mind that you need to keep taking your ART medicine, even if your viral load is undetectable."

DHMS members have access to holistic support, cover and benefits for HIV

"If you are diagnosed with HIV, ask your doctor to sign you up for our Discovery HIV Care Programme. This programme gives you access to various tools to monitor and manage your condition," explains Dr Nematswerani.
DHMS members on the HIV Care Programme are covered for:

• Four GP consultations and one specialist consultation each year.
• HIV-specific blood tests (including CD4 count and viral-load tests) - up to four tests a year.
• Antiretroviral medicine on Discovery Health's medicine list.
• Supportive medications that prevent and treat HIV-related infections.
• Treatment and support to prevent a mother from passing HIV to their child (in the womb and after birth).
• Support from an inhouse registered counsellor.

Find out more about the Discovery HIV Care Programme.

Maintaining overall good health is important in managing HIV

"A healthy lifestyle is especially important for supporting your immune system and complementing your ART medicine," says Dr Nematswerani.
"Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian if you need guidance on a healthy, nutritious diet that is best suited to your needs. Eating healthily can help you to maintain a healthy weight, fight infections, and improve how your HIV medicine is absorbed by your body."
"Regular exercise also helps to strengthen your immune system, reduce stress and the risk of depression, and improve sleep. Exercise can also help to reduce your risk of becoming ill with other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer."

Surround yourself with the support that's available to you

"I encourage all DHMS members to get screened for HIV and know their status. And, I encourage those living with HIV to use all the resources at their disposal, such as benefits offered by our HIVCare Programme, which are there to support them to continue living a long and healthy life," concludes Dr Nematswerani.

Information and counselling services

There are several resources and counselling services to you if you are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS:

• National AIDS Helpline is a 24/7 tollfree line for information and counselling related to HIV and AIDS - 0800 012 322
• LifeLine National Counselling Line offers general counselling - 0861 322 322
• LoveLife offers HIV and AIDS services to youths affected by the virus. To use the Plz Cal Me call-back service, dial *140*0833231023# from a Vodacom phone; *121*0833231023# from MTN; and *111*0833231023# from CellC.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/healthy-living.html#:~:text=Following%20a%20healthy%20diet%20offers,Manages%20HIV%20symptoms%20and%20complications
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/taking-your-hiv-medications-every-day/
https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/hiv-lifestyle-changes
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/hiv-aids