| Caring for your HIV-related problem:
Fatigue |
| PROBLEM: Feeling tired or weary, exhausted, or loss of
concentration. Some fatigue in life is to be expected. Fatigue may be
associated with stress, poor eating habits, inadequate sleep, mental
strain, boredom, depression, or other conditions.
HIV infection, HIV medications, drugs or other health
problems, e.g. anemia, can cause fatigue too. If you experience a marked
reduction in your energy level or your fatigue persists despite adequate
rest, report it to your physician or nurse.
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| TREATMENT: There are many ways to treat this problem. The first step is to
contact your physician or nurse. By working together, a treatment plan
can be developed for you. This plan may include prescription or
non-prescription medication, or other treatments. |
SELF CARE: Here are some strategies you may try to help you feel better:
- Take time out each day to relax. Ideas for relaxation include: taking
personal "quiet time", listening to music, taking walks,
leisure reading, taking a warm bath, having a massage.
- Take breaks at work, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
- Take a walk daily at your own pace, in your home or outside.
- Eat more of the following foods: oatmeal and other whole grain
cereals, fruit and vegetables, whole grain baked goods, yogurt and low
or non-dairy products. Limit the following: sugary foods, "fast
foods" and other high fat foods. Reduce alcohol and caffeine
intake, as these tend to make you sluggish later.
- Develop a routine of going to bed in the evening and getting up each
morning at the same time. Naps are okay, but keep them short and early
in the day.
- Use medications as prescribed.
- Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol, caffeine and other mood-altering
drugs.
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| U N I V E R S I T Y O
F C A L I F O R N I A , S A N F R A N C I S C O |