Living with HIV/AIDS and Using Tobacco

Living with HIV means dealing with special health issues. Smoking or vaping can affect the health of people with HIV.

Quitting can help you live longer. People who live with HIV/AIDS, use ART, and smoke live an average of 12 years less than those who do not smoke.

The Extra Risks

Smoking or vaping when you live with HIV can:

Weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
Cause HIV-related illnesses to happen faster.
Speed the progress of HIV itself.
Cause heart and lung issues and increase risk of heart attack or stroke.
Increase risk of long-term disease/treatment side effects, like osteoporosis. The bones of people with osteoporosis become weak and are more likely to break.

When you quit smoking or vaping, your immune system starts to rebound.

Quitting smoking or vaping is difficult, but you aren't alone.

Check with your provider, if you have one, for support with quitting smoking or vaping. Your provider can help you work on a full health plan.
QuitlineNC is a free North Carolina service that offers support and coaching. QuitlineNC is a safe and affirming resource. Get started today with QuitlineNC.