Specialist support

Frequently, women with HIV infection have difficulty accessing healthcare and may have the additional burden of caring for children and other family members who may also be HIV-infected. Women often lack social support and can face other challenges like depression, managing a job and a house and alcohol abuse. This can make obtaining or adhering to treatment more difficult. Disclosing your HIV status can also be difficult and it is important to take time to think about the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. It’s important to remember that many people tell their partners, family, friends and colleagues about being HIV-positive and receive wonderful support. However, others may become upset or react badly. In some cases women have been subject to domestic violence when disclosing to their partners. If you have any concerns, organisations such as Positively Women and Body and Soul provide specialist services and support to women with HIV. THT Direct can provide advice on disclosing HIV status if you are concerned about the criminalisation of HIV transmission.

It's important that you get your HIV care from a specialist HIV treatment centre. If you are not already a patient at one and don't know how to find one, then ring one of the helplines listed at the back of this booklet. 

Your local HIV agency or council should be able to offer help and advice if you are having problems with housing or money.
The booklet in this series, nutrition provides some information on food, nutrition, exercise and HIV infection, and could be a good place to start if you have questions about any of these issues.
Don't forget your own health needs even if you have responsibilities for looking after others. If you are finding it difficult to cope, ask for help from somebody at your HIV clinic, local HIV organisation, council, or an organisation such as Positively Women.

Your medical records are confidential and nobody can see them without your consent. If you are worried about telling somebody that you have HIV, or are concerned about somebody finding out, then ask for help. The chances are that your HIV clinic, HIV support agency or council social services will be able to offer support.