Parents Living With HIV

Making decisions facing a parent with HIV, such as whether to have another child, are challenging. According to the University of California, Berkeley, other challenges that HIV causes include disruption of family routines, depression and the ability to plan. HIV can also affect how you relate with your children, spouse, friends and relatives because of any stigma or shame. However, you can cope with such challenges and carry out your parenting duties.

  1. Prepare for Guardianship

    • As a HIV-infected parent, it is critical to identify a guardian to help care for your children during times of illness, or in case of death. Though you can choose and informally agree with a family member or a friend to take up the guardian role in your absence, it is vital to legally formalize the agreement. Choose a guardian who upholds your family values and outlook.

    Join Support Groups

    • Support groups are made up of workers such as clinicians who are able to guide you on how and when to tell your children about your HIV status. As a result, you will be able to eliminate misconceptions that might create tension between you and your children, such as sharing of plates or the bathroom. According to RAND Health, a research company based in California and Washington, D.C., support groups can also help you cope with any social or psychological problems.

    Seek Medical Intervention

    • Availability of different classes of HIV drugs such as protease inhibitors and integrase inhibitors can help you stop the virus from multiplying and destroying your immune system. This enables you to prolong your life and carry out your normal parenting duties for as long as you can. These medications should nonetheless be administered by a medical professional. According to MayoClinic.com, you are allowed to go for antiretroviral treatment if your CD4 count is below 500, if you are pregnant or if you have a HIV-related kidney ailment.

    Diet and Nutrition

    • The Food and Agriculture Organization, notes that eating a well-balanced diet can help you, as a parent living with HIV, improve your self-esteem and have positive attitude in life. A healthy diet helps you maintain your body weight, improve your immunity and protects you from opportunistic infections. As a result, you will be able to keep active, continue working and provide for your family as parent.

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