When someone tells you that he's HIV positive, what would a decent reaction/attitude be?
970058
Above all, do not respond with pity.  Pity is pointless, degrading, and embarassing.  Pity often masquerades as concern, though, so be careful in not just *what* you say, but *how* you say it.\n\nAlso, simply replying with "So?" diminishes the person's possible "struggle" with working up the courage to tell you.  If you wish to show that it doesn't matter, try responding with, "Okay." with the same inflection you might have if he just told you he changed his hair color.\n\nSince he told you, he obviously wants you to know.  Accept that knowledge but don't diminish it.  You might follow up the initial "Okay" or other non-pitying response with, "Do you want to talk about it?"\n\nAlso, if you don't know much about HIV and AIDS, admit that fact.  Say, "I don't know much about it."  And then, get yourself some good education on the subject.  Visit various web sites such as www.poz.com, www.cdc.gov/hiv, etc.  Learn about the condition.\n\nAnd then, let the knowledge that your friend wanted you to know about a potentially fatal illness he has grow your friendship.\n\nBut, don't pity him.
340106
I'm HIV positive - and I'm going to respond to this from personal experience. \n\nI got HIV from having unprotected sex with someone who didn't know they were positive. It's a b*tch, but it happens. \n\n\nI think my favorite sentence in this question is the final line, "This organization is endorsed by many doctors and celebrities." Well - if Britney Spears says it's true - then I BELIEVE IT! Honestly, people - let's be intelligent. \n\n\nThe reason why some people are fine is because some people are different. Everyone's immune system responds differently to EVERYTHING - some do very well in fighting it on their own; others get sick very VERY quickly. The people who aren't on drugs and are doing fine - they should thank God for the blessing of a uniquely equipped immune system. \n\n\nI am like millions of others who are not so fortunate. My virus has it in for me: as in, I was infected and VERY sick almost immediately. I knew I was positive within a month, because for someone who NEVER got sick, I got TAKEN OUT! So,  I went to the doctor, and surprise!! (Lesson: use protection every time, kids)\n\nMy "viral loads" never went down (they were above 750,000 - above 80,000 is BAD), and my CD4 counts never came back up on their own (they were 274, then 208). I was never diagnosed with AIDS (CD4 of under 200), because after two months of seeing the trend, my doctor decided to strategically skip a month's blood test to see my counts before putting me on medication. She didn't want to have to give me that diagnosis. \n\nI went through a variety of tests (Both Genotype and Phenotype analysis of my particular virus) and went on a drug regimen in August of 2005. \n\nWithin a month (A MONTH!!) my viral load was down to 644, and my CD4's were 240. My drugs kicked the virus' butt, and I had ZERO side-effects. \n\nIn the past year I've been taking my drugs twice a day (basically, it ranks a few steps higher than brushing my teeth - but it's just as routine) and I FEEL GREAT!!!\n\nI love my drugs, I love my doctor, and I love the scientists that figured out a way to KEEP ME ALIVE. \n\nThe longer there are groups out there who perpetuate a myth that this, or that, or whatever - created this SYNDROME; and other ways than prescription medication can keep the virus from creating millions of copies of itself and breaking down a person's immune system, PEOPLE WILL DIE. \n\nThe scientists who studied AIDS in the 80's didn't decide that HIV was the virus that caused AIDS - they were convinced by the FACTS of how this virus operated, and the RESULTS of tests in the lab. \n\nI don't know what drugs you're on - but the ones I'm taking are the only reason I'm typing this.
378885
Tell "some other" that the one you love has aids.
1115164
I would go out and get tested for aids and not have sex with my spouse. If it came back negative I'd say "Honey...I had to take a Aids test before I got my insurance. It came back positive. The question dear is why?" then let them argue or see what transpires in the next hour. have the divorce papers ready.\nbecause why would you want to live with someone playing Russian roulette with your life and your heart.\ndon't let them sweat too long. One or both may kill their self or each other in grief or anger. Better to remember it all as a last laugh on your spouse and lover.
60279
They get a blood sample. Their computers/scientists can detect traces of HIV in your blood. It's just a virus. They can actually see it taking over.
77450
Break anything romantic off immediately.  You do not want to be the victim of his sexually transmitted disease.  Let him know that you like him as a person.  If you feel comfortable with maintaining a friendship because you like him as a person, then let him know that.  Also let him know that you don't appreciate being lied to about his sex status.
222321
I'm not sure what HIV-ALT means, but if it does mean he has HIV, that still doesn't mean he can't live happily for many years. Just be there for him in this difficult time as he needs your love and support.
424264
if you do not have any open cuts or sores you cannot contract HIV from him just by getting blood on your finger. i know it's scary but you'll be ok, get tested though just for piece of mind. hope that helps :)
912046
Tell him about  the risk like even though he wears condoms he can still contract stds like hiv/aids. maybe if he hears that he will think twice at least some people do.
690483
tell them you're gay.
178511
Well, assuming you found out through a doctor or medical prof.  then you should already be under docotr's care.  You should've been encouraged to contact previous partners about it, but there are services out there to help you do that really difficult job.  Remember that most times, people were unaware that they had HIV, and didn't try to give it to anyone.  Though there may be anger, you need to focus on other things right now. Your doctor will also tell you about how important it is to take care of yourself.. eat right, excercise, etc..  Then you need to get on with your life, with a bit more care than before.
11052
i do not think he had it to begin with. i think they had just messed up on the test or something. or maybe he has something in his body to make the test positive. no one can escape the aids virus once they have it, unless it is just a miracle from GOD
1106476
If there was any swapping of bodily fluids, perhaps.\nIf the skin was broken on the HIV negative person and not the HIV positive person, there is a good change transmission did not occur.\n\nIf the HIV negative person is worried, s/he can always get tested. Many cities offer free testing either through Planned Parenthood or AIDS outreach organizations
730306
If you don't tell and pass it on you could be convicted. You have a moral obligation to tell everybody that you might have sex with your HIV+ status.
14467
I don't have AIDS or HIV, so I really couldn't tell you. The friends that I have had with the disease did act differently, they acted sad, mad, confused, and sick. Then they died.\n\nPeople live longer now with HIV/AIDS, so I would guess they have longer to adjust to it and maybe even come to terms and act "normal" again. Hopefully they don't share blood with others anymore. I can hope.
147994
You aren't a patient unless you are being treated.  The only way to find out if you have an HIV infection is to be tested.
188085
If you have not put yourself at risk for HIV since August 2005 when you received your last Elisa test, then you are negative.\n\nIf you have not put yourself at risk for Hepatitis since March of 2005 - then you are also negative.\n\nIf you have put yourself at risk for any of these infections since then, you should consider another test.  \n\nBlood, semen, vaginal fluids and breastmilk transmit HIV\nBlood, semen and vaginal fluids can transmit Hepatitis B\nBlood transmits Hepatitis C.