Dealing with Sick Others While Weak Immune System
While I have technically been living with HIV/AIDs since 2018, I have not REALLY lived. My t-cell count was 35. I isolated myself for the most because I could not be around people without getting sick. Nowadays I am actually trying to live my life. The problem is that occasionally I have to be around sick people who are in my life. While my t-call count is close to 500 now, I do still get sick pretty easily.
How do you care for those who in your life when they are sick despite having a weakened immune system?
, this is a tough problem and one that many of our advocates have experienced personally, too. First of all, it is great to hear how well you are doing now. I asked our advocates today what they thought of your question and some suggestions offered from their personal experiences were advocating for yourself by setting boundaries, being honest that you have health issues of your own and are not able to care for them directly. This can be buffered by letting them know that "if I need support I will come to you." If you do want to care for them, your health provider knows better than anyone how to keep themselves protected (anti-bacterial gel, mask) and maybe a great person to ask, especially if they know the conditions you are working with. One advocate told me "don't set yourself on fire to keep other people warm" and I thought that was great advice that I will remember myself! Do you or those you are caring for have others who can also lend a hand?- Liz (Team Member) 
Take care of you first that is what matters most and if you want to go around them go head and continue to do what we all have been doing since COVID hit.. Wear your mask, keep your hands washed and carry Clorox wipes nd hand sanitizer with you at all time.. This is what I still do to stay safe.. I for one don't like to go around anyone who is sick but if I have too these are the things I do. I hope this advice helped you..
How have you been since writing the article?The COVID precautions have helped me stay healthier in general. Prior to COVID, I would get respiratory infections of some kind (Bronchitis or Pneumonia) multiple times a year. I have had PCP pneumonia before so my lungs struggle. With the social distancing, extra cleaning, and people caring more about staying home when they are sick, I have only gotten two respiratory infections this entire time. That's a major win for me. But I do still get stomach bugs etc extremely easily if I am around somebody who has the germs. While I love them to death, I think my nieces cause a lot of what I pick up these days. I am still working on trying not to be so isolated. Thank you for your support - Heather (team member)
Alafia (Peace) What s good question. It's a difficult one to answer. I think you just have balance you need to not isolate with your health. Good luck. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) Alafia (Peace) As we have discussed, each of us have tobmove how we feel comfortable with. Sometimes we can't care for others because we must put our own health first. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) It can be hard to do the right thing by ourselves sometimes. I feel internalized guilt by saying no for my benefit, even though I know why I need to. If that makes any sort of sense. Thank you for reading my post and commenting. - Heather (team member) Alafia (Peace) Of course it makes sense. Ultimately we need take care of ourselves first. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
