Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

Management of diet-related HIV problems (slide 36)Common diet-related HIV problems include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,constipation, bloating, mouth or throat sores, fever, malabsorption, fatigue, andtaste alterations. These can all be barriers to gaining weight during an HIVcomplicatedpregnancy. Dietary modifications to manage the conditions that affectfood intake can minimize the impact on the woman’s nutritional status, maximizenutritional intake, ensure adequate gestational weight gain, maintain weight andmuscle mass during lactation, and improve quality of life for the infected woman.Appropriate locally available and affordable dietary interventions should be exploredand used as much as possible. Use of medications together with dietary interventionsto manage common dietary problems should be an integral part of nutritional careand support for HIV-infected pregnant or lactating women or adolescent girls. Safetraditional therapies that help relieve symptoms should also be considered andencouraged. Handout 6.7 provides a guide on the dietary management of somecommon HIV symptoms.Physical activity (slide 37)Maintaining physical activity has been shown to improve body composition andquality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS. Exercise can also help stimulate theappetite and increase energy. The pregnant or lactating woman should beencouraged to maintain physical activity as much as possible. Exercise as simple as adaily walk should be encouraged. However, as pregnancy advances the pregnantwoman or adolescent girl should be encouraged to get more rest and, if possible,avoid strenuous physical activity or work.Safer sex and reproductive health practices (slide 37)Education and counseling on HIV prevention is important. Safer sex practices such ascondom use should be promoted and VCT services provided. These are especiallyimportant for the HIV-infected pregnant or lactating woman or adolescent girlbecause acute infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mayincrease maternal viral replication, causing a higher maternal viral load. There isstrong evidence that a high viral load increases the risk of vertical transmission ofHIV during pregnancy and lactation and further weakens the immune system, making149