'Tis the Season for Adherence: Holiday Tips for Living Well With HIV

A Well-Tailored Treatment Plan Is Always in Fashion

Picking out an outfit for a big holiday gathering is a challenge. It can require days of window shopping before you find that perfect ensemble. According to fashion star and HIV-positive advocate Mondo Guerra, the same is true for finding an HIV med regimen, and HIV care providers, that work for you.

"If you ask questions, and you know how you're navigating the disease and how you're approaching your every day, if you know what you're taking and how it affects you, and you talk about all this to your doctor, your doctor's going to recognize that you really are taking control," says Mondo. In the midst of all that the shopping, eating and connecting with those dearest to your heart, find some time to make a pre-holiday appointment with your doctor. If you'll be going away, speak to him or her about any concerns you think might come up. Seeing your doctor before the holidays can be a one-way ticket to a successful season:

"Being HIV positive is a big job. But you want to work on your HIV treatment, and work with your doctor, so that you can be able to do the things that you love. Because without effective treatment, you're not going to be able to pursue bigger things. So that communication is really important."

Read more of Mondo Guerra's advice for fashioning your treatment plan, during the holidays and every day.