Life Forward Episode 3: Whole-Person Health While Living with HIV
Long-term HIV care includes viral suppression and attention to kidney, liver, bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, sexual, preventive, and mental health.
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Contents
Life Forward · Episode 3
Health needs beyond viral suppression
Sustained viral suppression is a central goal, but it is not the whole picture of health. People with HIV also need routine preventive care: blood pressure, lipids and glucose, sleep, oral health, vaccination, cancer screening, sexual health, and mental wellbeing—alongside monitoring related to HIV medicines and other conditions.
Follow-up should be individualised. Age, regimen, prior results, hepatitis, smoking, family history, hormones, and other medicines may change what is monitored and how often. Asking “What should we review this year?” is more useful than following a generic checklist from the internet.
Health topics to review with the care team
- Kidney and liver health, including hepatitis B or C when relevant
- Blood pressure, lipids, glucose, weight, and cardiovascular risk
- Bone health and osteoporosis risk where indicated
- Vaccination, cancer screening, and STI testing based on individual needs
- Sleep, anxiety, depression, substance use, and social support
Mental health is part of treatment success
Stigma, fear of disclosure, and self-blame can make appointments or refills harder. Mental health support is therefore part of HIV care, not a separate luxury. Persistent hopelessness, inability to sleep or function, or thoughts of self-harm require prompt support from a qualified service.
People also have a right to understand who can access their health information. Disclosure to a partner or family member is a personal decision shaped by trust and safety. No one should reveal another person’s HIV status without permission.
Physical and mental healthcare really need to go hand in hand.
Build a health plan that can continue
Start with small, measurable priorities: keep the next appointment, bring a complete medicine list, move in ways your body tolerates, reduce smoking, or request mental-health support. A useful plan respects gender identity, relationships, work, income, and daily life.
Review the HIV basics guide and use the clinic directory to connect general information with personalised care.
Sources and further reading
Where this episode’s doctor practises
Clinic details for Thanawin Bavornasavaroj, MD
Review services, location, and contact details before travelling. Confirm current hours, fees, and appointment availability directly with the clinic.
Bangkok
Glove
Glove is a clinic in Bangkok offering HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, and STI testing and care. Review its contact details, opening hours, and facilities, or use the direct Love2Test link to book an appointment.
- HIV Screening
- PrEP
- PEP
- PCR for 18 STIs
