5.4. Maintenance of immunity

Immunity level depends not only on the diet, but also on the physical and emotional condition. Mental health is important not only for people with a positive HIV status, but for everyone who is monitoring their health.

One can properly maintain his emotional and physical condition by following simple recommendations: engage in moderate physical exercise, eat more fresh vegetables and berries; stick to the day regime and allocate enough time for sleeping; have sex regularly and avoid stress, get more rest. Doctors recommend that people living with HIV limit their consumption of alcohol and tobacco and eat less sugar and sweets. Increasing physical activity is important: exercise, walking outdoors, spending more time with your family and loved ones.

During travelling, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the food and water. Before you travel to other countries, one should familiarize himself with the particulars of those locations, and the presence of potential specific infections. For travel in some countries, a vaccination is suggested and a doctor should first be consulted. Regular exercise: swimming, biking, gym, yoga allow one to maintain muscle tone, and have a favorable effect on the immune system, including improvement of mood and relief of stress.

Healthy sleep, along with an optimal balance of work, leisure, sport and communication with other people can also improve overall health and strengthen the immune system.