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Coping With HIV

An HIV diagnosis is a life–altering event that will require a number of changes in order to maintain your health. However, with the appropriate support and access to care, it is possible to continue living well. HIV is a challenge but one that can be met. The Minnesota AIDS Project provides a wide variety of support options to assist people living with HIV and serves as a central resource to help determine the best possible options to achieve the best possible outcomes.

I just tested HIV–positive, what do I do?

First thing: Don't panic! In the United States, living with HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many people are alive and well who were diagnosed many years ago. Although HIV can be life threatening, and you will have to monitor your physical health and have regular medical tests, there are many things you can do to maintain a normal life. It's important to learn all you can about HIV in order to keep yourself healthy. You'll also want to learn how you can protect your partners from HIV infection, and protect yourself from other infections. Minnesota AIDS Project AIDSLine can provide information about how to keep yourself healthy and about community resources available in your area.

Do I need to take medication right away?

There are two main blood tests that many doctors will want to do as soon as possible. Both of these tests will give you and your doctor baseline information about how HIV is affecting your body now. Test results will allow you and your doctor to determine if and when you should consider starting treatment. Testing regularly will help determined any major changes—good or bad—in your immune system. Ultimately the decision about starting treatment is yours to make. But again the best person to speak to regarding this would be your personal physician.

How do I get/find help?

There is so much information available about HIV that you may not know where to start. The site where you had your HIV test probably gave you some basic information. The Minnesota AIDS Project offers a packet of materials for people who have been newly diagnosed. You can contact the MAP AIDSLine or send them an email to have one sent to get one. You can also call MAP AIDSLine to ask questions about HIV or to have an educator explain the meaning of some medical terms.

Finding a health care provider you are comfortable with is important. You can call MAP AIDSLine for a list of clinics statewide that specialize in HIV treatment. Many people with HIV want health care providers who will work with them as a team. Making a list of things that are important to you before you chose a health care provider can be very helpful. The list might include:

• Specializing in HIV care and treatment
• Having a team of health care professionals available to you (doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacists, social worker, etc.)
• Being sensitive to your cultural background
• Knowing about chemical dependency issues and treatment
• Offering you the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials
• Offering you options regarding treatment
• Being open to alternative therapies such as bodywork, aromatherapy, visualization, acupuncture, etc.
• Convenient location

Who do I have to tell about my HIV?

You do have a responsibility to let past and current needle–sharing and/or sexual partners that they were exposed to HIV as soon as possible since they should be tested.

For many people, telling partners, friends and family is hard. Sometimes an HIV diagnosis brings secrets—about sexual partners, sexual activity or chemical dependency—out into the open. If this is your situation, you might have someone—a trusted friend, relative or counselor—do some role playing with you so you can practice what you want to say and how you'll answer questions. You may want to bring a supportive friend or relative with you when you talk with members of your family. Or you might decide to write letters or telephone.

Isolation and loneliness can have a negative effect on your overall health and well–being. Taking the risk to tell people can be helpful in the long run. You can always give people you tell the MAP AIDSLine phone number so they can call and ask the MAP AIDSLine health educators questions about HIV.

Do I have to tell my employer that I'm positive?

Generally, you don't need to disclose your HIV status to your employer. (Some licensed health care providers are required to notify a professional board. Check with the Minnesota Department of Health or your professional organization if you have questions.) All workplaces are now expected to practice "universal precautions" in dealing with any blood or other bodily fluid. (Universal precautions assume that all blood and bodily fluids may be infected with one or more diseases.)

You are not obligated to tell your coworkers about your HIV status. Legally, you can be asked about your HIV status only if you are seeking health care; when you are applying for health, life or disability insurance; when you need an accommodation; or if it relates to whether you can do your job. You can't legally be asked about your HIV status if you are being interviewed for a job, applying for an apartment, buying a house or seeking a business' services.

If you have questions about your privacy rights, or if you think you're a victim of HIV discrimination, call MAP AIDSLine to be connected to legal services.

How do I build a support system?

Along with identifying a medical health care provider, you may want to develop the social, emotional or spiritual resources that will help you deal with tough times and make the most of the good times. Finding an effective support system may be as simple as letting your friends and family know of your diagnosis and then joining an ongoing support group. Sometimes you may have to create a new network to meet your needs. The first step is figuring out what you want support for and who might be able to offer it.

MAP AIDSLine has a list of HIV support groups in Minnesota, including support groups for parents, friends and partners of people who are positive. Your health care provider may also have some suggestions. Two MAP programs, Positive Link and PrideAlive, offer social, educational and activist opportunity to meet people who are involved in HIV advocacy and education. Contact MAP AIDSLine for more information.

To find out more about options to assist you, a friend, or family member dealing with HIV please contact:

HIV SERVICES LOCATOR

Living with HIV? Our HIV Services Locator can help.

HIV RESOURCE GUIDE

A guide to HIV prevention and care resources.

CONTACT AIDSLINE

Questions about HIV? Contact the AIDSLine.