NAPWA

Those readers with smart phones will be interested in these new examples of application software or ‘apps’ that can help them to manage their HIV better.

The first one is iStayHealthy. This is a neat app where you can actually record your counts such as CD4, percentage and viral loadA measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma. and come up with a chart. You can also record your treatment regimen from the long list of available HIV antiviralsA medication or substance which is active against one or more viruses. May include anti-HIV drugs, but these are more accurately termed antiretrovirals., complete with a colour picture of the pills attached. There is also provision to develop a list of any other medications or even complementary therapiesA broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use to promote well-being or treat health conditions. Examples include acupuncture, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc. if you wish.

iStayHealthy can be downloaded from iTunes.

Another helpful app is the HIV iChart of drug interactions developed by the University of Liverpool, England. This app neatly summarises data of all the HIV antivirals and many other medications. One starts by selecting one or more HIV drugs from the list, then choosing one or more medications to get an idea of what interaction is to be expected from the combination of the drugs chosen. The results are presented as a traffic light system to indicate the recommendation, with a brief summary of the interaction. See www.hiv-druginteractions.org.au

HIV iChart can be downloaded from both the Apple iTunes Store and from androidzoom.com

PLEASE NOTE: these smart phone apps are not intended to replace the advice from your HIV specialist.

Vic Perri is a Health Promotion Officer with PLWHAPerson (or People) Living with HIV/AIDS. Victoria. This is an edited version of an article first published in their publication, Poslink.