A Guide to Mobile Apps for HIV Treatment, Management, and Prevention

March 12, 2025

This article explores a variety of mobile applications designed for HIV patients and those at risk, covering prevention, treatment, management, and social support. From medication reminders to expert information and social or dating platforms, these tools empower users to better navigate HIV-related challenges and improve their quality of life.

1. Tools for HIV Prevention and Testing

For individuals aiming to prevent HIV infection, particularly those at higher risk through sexual activity or injection drug use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a powerful solution. However, PrEP requires daily adherence to be effective. Several free apps provide helpful reminders to ensure consistency. For instance, Mango Health, Medisafe, and MyMeds support not only PrEP but also other medication schedules.

Certain apps cater specifically to PrEP users. myPrEP, developed by Trillium Health, sends alerts for pill-taking, prescription refills, doctor appointments, and testing. HIV Oral PrEP compiles World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, offering detailed insights for current or prospective PrEP users, as well as healthcare providers. Similarly, WHO HTS Info focuses on HIV testing services, delivering WHO recommendations on self-testing and partner notification.

Though not a standalone app, the locator tool on HIV.gov enables users to find nearby HIV testing and related services directly from their phones with ease.

2. Accessing Knowledge on HIV and AIDS

For those newly diagnosed or seeking deeper understanding of HIV and AIDS (the advanced stage of HIV infection), reliable information is essential. AIDSinfo, a service from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers three free apps tailored to different needs, available on Android and iOS:

AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Guidelines delivers the latest recommendations for treating and preventing HIV in adults, children, and unborn infants, alongside strategies to manage opportunistic infections caused by weakened immune systems.
AIDSinfo HIV Drug Database details over 160 HIV-related treatments, including approved drugs and those under investigation, with summaries for both consumers (in English and Spanish) and healthcare professionals.
AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Glossary explains over 700 medical and scientific terms, from HIV-specific phrases like “AIDS-defining condition” to general terms like “TID” (three times daily).

These resources equip users with trustworthy knowledge to better manage their condition.

3. Assistants for HIV Treatment and Daily Management

Managing HIV treatment involves strict adherence to antiretroviral medications, monitoring drug interactions, and regular doctor visits. The following apps streamline these tasks:

Life4me+ offers reminders for appointments and medications, enables communication with doctors, and stores test results and prescription histories, while also providing HIV-related news.
Daily Charge serves as a daily companion with educational content, pill reminders, and lab result tracking.
Liverpool HIV iChart assists both patients and doctors by using a traffic-light system to highlight drug interaction risks.
WHO HIV Tx provides the latest WHO guidelines on treatment and care.

The high cost of medications can also burden HIV patients. Thankfully, apps like GoodRx, RxSaver, and WellRx allow users to compare local prices and access money-saving tips or pharmacy rewards.

4. Social Support and Dating Platforms

Living with HIV extends beyond medical care—emotional and social needs matter too. These apps connect users with others for support or relationships:

Support Apps:

myHIVteam is a social network for anyone living with HIV, fostering community and shared experiences.
Positive Peers targets younger individuals with a social media-style platform for support.

Dating Apps:

Positive Singles is a subscription-based dating app connecting people with STDs, including HIV, since 2001.
HIV Dating & Herpes Dating provides free dating services for those with HIV or herpes.
Hzone is a subscription app primarily for same-sex relationships.

These platforms help reduce isolation and build meaningful connections.

Conclusion

Whether you’re living with HIV or working to prevent it, mobile apps offer comprehensive support for treatment, management, and daily life. From preventive medication reminders to expert knowledge and social engagement, these tools empower users to take charge of their health. With effective treatment, HIV-positive individuals can often live as long as their uninfected peers, making these apps valuable allies throughout the journey.