LIFE FORWARD · HIV CARE
Life Forward:HIV doesn’t stop your life
Across five episodes, five doctors guide viewers from diagnosis and starting treatment to finding a regimen that fits daily life, caring for long-term health, understanding U=U, and planning for the future.
Across five episodes, five doctors guide viewers from diagnosis and starting treatment to finding a regimen that fits daily life, caring for long-term health, understanding U=U, and planning for the future.
Love Foundation develops this work around accessibility, privacy, non-discrimination, and practical connections to support.
01
Practical answers to questions that follow a diagnosis
Life Forward begins with the questions people actually ask: How do I start treatment? Will the medicine fit my life? What health issues should I monitor? Can I still have loving relationships and make plans for the future?
Five doctors answer from different care settings with one shared aim: to help make HIV one manageable part of life, rather than something that defines a person.
02
One connected five-episode journey
- Episode 1: diagnosis, prompt treatment, viral suppression, and hope
- Episode 2: selecting an effective, tolerable regimen that fits daily routines
- Episode 3: kidney, liver, bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health
- Episode 4: side effects, missed doses, follow-up, and treatment adjustments
- Episode 5: sustained viral suppression, U=U, love, relationships, and the future
03
The goal is a good life—not just good laboratory results
Effective long-term care is about more than viral suppression. It also includes sleep, mental wellbeing, relationships, work, and personal goals. Side effects and practical barriers are important topics to discuss with the care team without fear of blame.
This series provides general health information. Choosing or changing treatment requires individual test results, medical history, a review of other medicines, and shared decision-making with a qualified clinician.
LIFE FORWARD VIDEO SERIES
Doctors answer the questions many people hesitate to ask
Episode 1
HIV is treatable, and the future still holds hope
Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, MDDivision of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital
Read episode 1Episode 2
Choosing HIV treatment for the long term
Chaiwat Songsiriphan, MDMedical Director, Safe Clinic
Read episode 2Episode 3
Whole-person health while living with HIV
Thanawin Bavornasavaroj, MDGlove Clinic
Read episode 3Episode 4
Making HIV treatment work for the long term
Kerik Asawametha, MDInfectious-disease physician, Open House Clinic
Read episode 4Episode 5
Undetectable, U=U, and living with confidence
Chakkaphat Boonruang, MDInstitute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI)
Read episode 5COMMON QUESTIONS
Life after an HIV result
What does my future look like now?
HIV is manageable. People who remain in care and continue treatment can work, care for their families, and plan for the future. There is a clear clinical path, and you do not have to address everything in one day.
How long until my viral load is undetectable?
Many people achieve suppression within about one to six months of daily treatment, but timelines vary. A viral-load result and clinical follow-up are needed to confirm it.
Can treatment be changed if it does not suit me?
There are multiple effective regimens. Discuss side effects or practical barriers with your clinician; timing or the regimen can often be adjusted. Do not stop treatment on your own.
Can gender-affirming hormones be used with HIV treatment?
They can generally be used together, but tell the care team about every medicine, hormone, supplement, and over-the-counter product so interactions can be assessed individually.