Life with HIV may seem scary, but just know it will be OK. It is also absolutely fine to be scared and anxious. You do not need to suppress your emotions, and you do not need to deal with this alone. Your own doctor and healthcare workers will support you. There are also several NGOs who can help you go through this, such as the Rainbow Support Services, and the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement who will give you all the help you will need.
Always remember that your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing.
Newly Diagnosed with HIV
Having found out that you have HIV can come as a shock, it might be overwhelming and it might carry a lot of questions and feelings. That is completely natural. Just remember that an HIV diagnosis will not stop you from enjoying life.
Modern medicine and the dedicated staff at Mater Dei will make sure that you get the right care and treatment.
This means that you will be able to lead a long and healthy life.
Looking After Yourself
We are all different, and we all react differently. You might have lots of questions, and the diagnosis may have given you feelings of shock, anger, fear or sadness. Like all emotions, your emotions are natural.
You do no need to try to manage on your own. Having someone to talk to will be very helpful. Your healthcare staff will give you most information you need about HIV, but there are lots of organizations who will support you emotionally.
Your trusted friends and close people in your family can also help you. If you are thinking about sharing your HIV diagnosis we have some tips to share with you.
Your Treatment
Your treatment will vary, depending on your body and your composition. However this is not something you need to worry about yourself. The healthcare professionals you will be working with will know what to do and will find the right treatment for you.
We will explain what the treatment will consist of, why honesty is important in your relationship with your healthcare professionals, and how following their instructions will make your viral load ‘undetectable’.
My Partner is Living with HIV
Your partner has told you about their diagnosis. This may bring confusion and uncertainty, and it is natural to feel that you should run. Remember that by sharing this information, your partner needed to build the courage to speak about something deeply personal and sensitive. This is not for their own well being, but yours. Do not block or ‘ghost’ that person.
Instead use that energy to learn about HIV, what U=U means and how transmission is prevented. We have also shared some tips which you can use if you are still unable to cope with this news.
Undetectable = Untransmittable
In the past few years, you may have started to come across the word ‘undetectable’, and it is a very important word for those living with HIV. This is because recent studies have confirmed that undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U)
But do you know what this means and how to become undetectable? Read more about this important concept below.
Last Updated: 26 February 2023
