You cannot contract HIV by being in the same room with a person who has the disease. Neither can you contract HIV by hugging or touching that person. You cannot get it from washing their clothes, making their bed or feeding them.

Currently scientists are working to discover or make a vaccine to prevent the disease. New drugs have been discovered that can lessen the severity of the disease and even cause remissions. So far, there is no cure.

If you have just found out that you have HIV you should find a doctor who is a specialist in the treatment of the disease. You must find someone you trust and can work with. You will need to check with an Aids Service Organization. They are a good source of information and comfort. Find someone who is already living with AIDS and talk to him/her. You will gain insight from the patient’s point of view that is invaluable.

One thing that is important is that you find a way to cope with this disease. It is easy to sink into depression; to ask “why me?”; to wonder how to tell others but this will not help you cope. The first person you must reveal your disease to is your partner. (If you have had multiple partners, you owe them this also). This will not be easy. It may seem like giving him/her a death sentence to you but you should not delay. If you have ever shared needles with anyone in drug use, you need to tell him/her of your status. Your family deserves to know next; don’t keep the people who love you the most in the dark. You will be denying yourself some well deserved understanding and love.