6.4. What can I expect when I go for treatment?

On your first visit:
* The doctor will confirm your CD4 count and make sure that you are tested for TB and (if applicable) pregnancy.
* Any opportunistic infections (infections that come as a result of the low immunity) will be treated.
* You will meet all the healthcare workers involved in your care.
* You will discuss your treatment with your treatment counsellor.
* You will receive a 4 week supply of Co-trimoxazole (an ARV).
* You will be given the date of your next appointment.
Your treatment counsellor may visit you at home to check:
* Your home circumstances.
* Your contact details.
* Support structures - like family/ partner.
* Drug storage facilities - for example, refrigerator.
On your second visit, or before you start full ART treatment:
* The health worker will assess your medical condition.
* You will be given an information and treatment education session.
* The doctor/healthworker will do a pill count (of the Co-trimoxazole) to check that you actually took the medicine (adherence).
* You will get counselling on how to stick to the treatment programme.
* The health worker will explain how many pills to take and when to take them.
* The instructions will be clearly written on the container.


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