Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe phase of HIV infection. When an individual's HIV infection has progressed to the point of AIDS, their immune system is so badly damaged that it is almost non-existent, and they are unable to fight off other infections. People are diagnosed with AIDS when their CD-4 cell count drops below 200 cells/mm3 (levels in a healthy individual range from 500 - 1600 cells/mm3), or if they develop one or more opportunistic infection (infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems). Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years, and it is usually one of these opportunistic infections that results in death.
Living with HIV can result in numerous stressors, including how to disclose your status to others, how to maintain healthy relationships while ensuring your partner(s) is protected, navigating the prejudice and discrimination alongside the stigma that exists in society, as well as other non-HIV related stressors. The CHIP team provide a 1-on-1 service free of charge for individuals living with HIV, called CLEAR. The sessions aim to increase individual's confidence and skills in dealing with the stressors in life, in order to achieve their goals, feel happy within themselves, and ensure they stay healthy and in control of their HIV infection. Participants get $100 upon completion of all 5 sessions. For more information on the CLEAR program, please see the "living with HIV" page.
Living with HIV can result in numerous stressors, including how to disclose your status to others, how to maintain healthy relationships while ensuring your partner(s) is protected, navigating the prejudice and discrimination alongside the stigma that exists in society, as well as other non-HIV related stressors. The CHIP team provide a 1-on-1 service free of charge for individuals living with HIV, called CLEAR. The sessions aim to increase individual's confidence and skills in dealing with the stressors in life, in order to achieve their goals, feel happy within themselves, and ensure they stay healthy and in control of their HIV infection. Participants get $100 upon completion of all 5 sessions. For more information on the CLEAR program, please see the "living with HIV" page.
