HIV is an infection of the blood. It attacks the body’s natural defences. That means that you need special treatment to avoid getting sick. The clinic at Heartlands Hospital is one of the biggest outside central London. More than a hundred children like you go there to stay well and healthy.
As long as you taken them properly, modern medicines mean you can live well with HIV. You’ll see doctors often to keep an eye on your healthy, and make sure the HIV is being kept in check.
The clinic also looks after pregnant mums, to make sure their babies don’t get HIV, or to treat them. There are lots of services, including ones to help you feel better if you’re sad or depressed, and others to help you get on in life.
With the help of the doctors and nurses, HIV won’t hold you back. Looking after yourself properly is really important, but as long as you learn how you’ll be fine. And as you grow older, the clinic will help you cope with any changes.
We’re here for you!
