HIV treatment booklet out now

The HIV treatment “bible” has been re-released across the country this week with updates on all the latest tests and medications.
Produced by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) and the National Association of People Living With HIV/AIDS, the HIV Tests & Treatments booklet provides a practical overview of how to deal with HIV medications.
Around 20,000 copies have been distributed around Australia and have proven a popular resource in the past.
AFAO executive director Don Baxter said the guide was a valuable resource for people living with HIV, GPs, specialists and health workers.
“It provides the latest information regarding tests and treatments for HIV/AIDS, monitoring, the management of issues associated with long-term therapy, starting and changing therapies and managing side effects,” he said.
The last guide was printed over five years ago and the new version includes treatment knowledge and best practice changes over that time.
The guide aims to provide easily understood information about complex medical and scientific information and covers currently available antiviral drugs for HIV treatment and management.
NAPWA president Robert Mitchell said the booklet is essential for anyone who is living with HIV and thinking of changing or reviewing treatments, or for those recently diagnosed.
-œIt is designed so they can read it in their own time and discuss options with their doctor when they are ready, he said.
The guide is available from the Victorian AIDS Council and PLWHA Victoria, as well as from GPs who prescribe HIV medications and some sexual health centres.
The guide will also be available to download from the AFAO website.

info: Visit www.afao.org.au