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You may be shocked and upset to find out you have HIV. You'll probably also have lots of questions. It can help to talk about how you feel and what you need to think about for the future. There are lots of different people you can turn to.

Your doctor or clinic might be able to put you in touch with people who have HIV so that you talk to them about how they coped and what life is like for them now. Some groups meet regularly to discuss their concerns. Others in the group might be able to help. Some clinics have professional counselors. They can listen to your concerns and try to answer questions you might have.

It's important to remember that HIV can be treated better than ever before. Many people with the virus stay healthy for many years.

If you have a positive HIV test result, you'll be asked to think back to how you might have gotten the infection. And you'll need to think about who you could have passed the infection to.

The clinic where you have your test will be able to help you contact all the people you had sex with since you think you got the infection. This is called partner notification. Getting your contacts to have the HIV test will help stop the spread of HIV. The clinic will be able to help you with this. They can contact your former partners without mentioning your name.

Here are some things you can do to protect others:¹

• Don't have unprotected sex. Always use a condom or another kind of protection.
• Using condoms can stop you from passing HIV to your sexual partners.
• Use water-based lubricants. Don't use oil-based lubricants. Oil can make condoms break more easily. Never use Vaseline, baby oil, Crisco, massage oil, hand lotion or moisturizer. Water should be the first ingredient on any lubricant you use.
• For oral sex, use protection such as a condom or dental dam (a square piece of latex used by dentists) or plastic food wrap. Do not reuse these items.
• Keep sex toys for your own use only and don't use someone else's sex toys.
• Don't share drug needles or syringes.
• Tell people you've had sex with that you have HIV. This won't be easy, but it will help them get the treatment or advice they need.
• Don't let other people use your razor or toothbrush. Don't use someone else's razor or toothbrush.
• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about how you can help stop your baby from getting HIV.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.