What to Expect at the HIV Doctor

Yes, it can be scary at first. But if you have HIV, going to the doctor is one of the best things you can do for yourself! This video in our “Life & HIV” series talks about what you can expect at the doctor, including the words they’ll use, and what they might talk about.
If you’ve never gotten an HIV test, and aren’t sure what to expect, check out this video, which walks you through a real HIV test!
Key terms from the video:
Viral load - the amount of HIV virus in a blood sample. You want this number to be as low as possible. The ultimate goal is for Viral Load to be undetectable.
CD4 count - the number of T-cells in a blood sample. T-cells are an important part of your immune system that keep you from getting sick. You want your CD4 count to be high.
Use these tools to help you find an HIV doctor in your area:
AIDS.gov Service Locator: locator.aids.gov/
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s Provider Directory: glmaimpak.netw...
Looking for more on doctor’s visits? Check out the next video in our “Life & HIV” series, Getting the Most from Your HIV Doctor!
For more on HIV and LGBTQ youth, from prevention to testing and treatment, check out our Life & HIV interactive Prezi: www.impactprogr...