People with HIV and fatigue tend to get sicker faster than people without fatigue. Also, anemia is a common cause of fatigue among HIV/AIDS patients. Anemia is caused by loss of red blood cell and damaged to the bone marrow caused by anti-HIV medications. It is possible that the patient may need blood transfusion as a treatment for anemia. But this may not be possible for a patient who is a Jehovah witness, because they do not allow giving or receiving blood. Another important subject a nurse must emphasize on HIV patients is proper nutrition, because people with HIV require more energy than healthy people. If the patient is not getting enough nutrients, their energy level will be low. .
It is essential for HIV/AIDS to find out the cause of fatigue and treat it, because fatigue can have major effects on the person's quality of life. A person that is fatigue, for example may have difficulties with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, household chores, self-care, etc. It is already exhausting enough for them trying to keep up with the variety of anti-HIV medications they have to take everyday. It's the nurse's role to assure the patients to have an acceptable quality of life. This can be achieved by assisting patients with setting realistic goals for themselves and teaching them appropriate interventions to help manage their energy level within limitations to improve their quality of life. Fatigue can make the disease progress faster if left untreated, and could lead to other complications, since ongoing fatigue can weaken the immune system.
Aside from disease stage and therapeutic interventions, important variables such as social support and control and coping strategies can potentially impact the quality of life of the HIV/AIDS patient. Social support may consist of family, friends, and healthcare workers or caregivers. These groups of people are very important part of the patient's recovery, because they provide encouragement, empathy, assistance, and fulfillment of the patient's needs.