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Water and other fluids

It is important to stay properly hydrated to ensure that the body has enough fluid (liquid) to function properly. It is recommended that people drink 6 to 8 glasses a day of fluids. Water, lower-fat milks, and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. Fruit juice also counts but should be limited to 150ml a day. See Healthy Eating for more information.

If you have a fever, or have diarrhoea, then it is important to drink extra fluids. Similarly, if you are exercising, you should increase your water or other fluid intake.

Tap water in the UK is safe to drink and there really aren't any special considerations about the UK's drinking water for most people.

But if you have a very low CD4 cell count, (under 100) a little more caution may be needed and it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team about any steps you may need to take to make sure you don't acquire an infection from your drinking water.

If you have a very low CD4 cell count, your doctor will advise you to start taking HIV treatment as soon as possible, to allow your immune system to recover.In the meantime, it’s a good idea to boil water before you drink it.

Nutrition

Published August 2016

Last reviewed August 2016

Next review August 2019

Contact NAM to find out more about the scientific research and information used to produce this booklet.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.