Contrary to popular belief, HIV and AIDS are not the same condition. HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is a virus or infection, while AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a condition caused by the HIV. HIV occurs due to some unhealthy lifestyle habits. When suffering from HIV, the immune system gets damaged and worsens the overall health. As a result, a few changes to your lifestyle could help prevent it from worsening and spreading to other people.

Preventive lifestyle tips for HIV consists of several healthy practices such as safe sex and timely prevention of infections.

A healthy lifestyle means incorporating safe habits that can help you have a better, healthy life. You must be aware that HIV destroys your immune system, which prevents it from fight against diseases.

Some of the healthy lifestyle habits you need to practice are:

1. Practice Safe sex
Safe sex is the practice of having sex with the use of proper preventive measures and protection. This is one of the most important and widely recommended lifestyle tips for HIV. You must use protection such as condoms before engaging in any sexual activity, as this ensures your and your partner’s safety.

2. Test yourself for STDs
Sometimes, people could have more than one STD. In such cases, it is crucial to take preventive measures. It is advised to take multiple blood tests for STDs. Moreover, other conditions could worsen HIV and trigger the progress more rapidly. You should consider a blood test to check if you have an STD, as the symptoms can be subtle and go unnoticed.

3. Do not do drugs
The use of drugs can be another reason for HIV, as they destroy the immune system. You must consider this as one of the most important preventive lifestyle tips for HIV. Drugs often cause depression which can lead to many fatal psychological issues and it can hinder your treatment. Additionally, the use of shared needles is one of the most prevalent causes of HIV.

4. Perform mind and body exercises
Both physical and mental exercises can prevent you from many diseases, including HIV. Regular exercise can make you fit and keep away stress and depression. Physical exercise can also strengthen your immune system to fight against any diseases, whereas mind exercises can improve your cognitive health.

5. Stop smoking
Quitting smoking is always beneficial, as it prevents you from many health hazards such as cardiac and respiratory issues. Smoking only worsens your health. Most physicians advise people to quit smoking as one of the preventive lifestyle tips for HIV.

In addition to medication, implementing certain lifestyle changes can help you lead a better life if suffering from HIV.