Question
Will smoking affect my treatment?
8 September 2014. Related: All topics, Life expectancy, Starting treatment.
I have just started treatment, how long can i expect to live? I also smoke, will this affect my treatment?
Answer
Hi,
It is great that you have started treatment. Many people who have HIV and are on effective treatment can now expect to live as long as someone who does not have HIV. There are things that you can do to live healthily and increase your life expectancy. These include having a healthy diet and doing exercise.
The fact you are smoking will not affect the way your HIV meds work. However smoking is bad for your general health. There is also evidence that shows that smoking is more likely to reduce life expectancy and cause more health problems than HIV.
You can find more information about the smoking and HIV study on our website.
And information about quitting here.
Hi Yak
No problems with milk and tea. You can drink as much milk and tea as you like :)
One alcoholic drink is fine. A couple of drinks may be okay, but not every day.
For more information about alcohol and HIV see this updated question:
http://i-base.info/qa/492
What about taking alcohol ? And how do taking tea with milk before HIV drug affect treatment ?