Question
I'm HIV+, can I still drink beer?
26 March 2012. Related: All topics.
Hi
Thanks for all the help and support you provide.
I have been positive for 2 years i belive, but i was diagnosed last November 2011, now my CD4 Count is 670.
I would like to ask you if there will be any problem if I drink 2 beers once in a week, because i have been doing it i hope it wont affect me?
Answer
Thank-you for your question. I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis- how are you coping with this? Can I ask if you are currently on any treatment? Also are you getting support from anybody to deal with finding out you are HIV positive?
There is no reason why being HIV positive should stop you having the occasional beer. Alcohol doesn’t affect HIV treatment and doesn’t make HIV worse. The only problem would be if you were drinking a lot of alcohol and forgetting to take your treatment. Drinking alcohol in moderation should not be a problem.
Hi Belinda, thanks for writing about your experience. I am sorry you have been treated this was but many other people also find their partners are cowards and do not help. Often these men could be HIV positive too but for some reason they don’t like to face this so they run away.
I cannot give you advice or info about how to find a better partner. You sound like a very strong person to have managed so well so far so I hope you find someone who deserves to be with you.
Me with HIV is it possible to marry again please or is not ok for HIV person to marry? And when am able to get a man who is interested in marrying is it good to tell him my condition?
Am so grateful I found myself on this page. Your advices are so encouraging.
My husband left me and my children because of my new diagnosis HIV.
Thank you so much.
Hello and thank you for the question.
You are very brave to be having this discussion and asking for help.
Well done.
There is no easy answer to your question and I completely understand why you feel like that.
A new diagnosis can cause problems in the relationship.
Some times people are too scared to support each other. Sometimes they even blame each other.
Here in the UK your clinic / doctor and some times community organisations help couples have a conversation about the new diagnosis.
How are you coping with your diagnosis? Have you been linked to any support?
It is important to be kind to yourself. It is also important to be kind to each other.
We know it can be very helpful if you have someone to talk about your feelings.
Also, it is important to educate yourself as this will allow you to understand better how to remain healthy and have a good life.
Today we know that people who are on effective treatment (undetectable viral load) cannot pass on HIV to their sexual partners and children.
They go on to have happy and healthy lives.
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at questions@i-base.org.uk if you want to continue this discussion privately.