I’ve just found out I have HIV. What does it mean?
Having HIV means that:
- Your body is losing its ability to heal itself when you get sick. You can help strengthen your body by:
- Eating well and exercising
Taking medical treatment if your doctor recommends it. There is no cure for AIDS. However, there is treatment. Anti-retroviral treatment makes the HIV in your body fall asleep. This gives your immune system a chance to grow strong again, so it can fight diseases. Speak to your health worker about when you can go on treatment. - You can pass the virus to your sexual partner if you have unprotected sex.
- You should find out how to enjoy safe sex with your partner. This may include talking to your health worker.
- You must always use a condom when you have sex. For more information on how to use a condom correctly, watch this video on the OneLove YouTube channel:
The video was produced by Planned Parenthood.
Being positive also means that:
- You must not give blood for transfusions
- You should tell your sexual partners that you are HIV positive. You should discuss how to do this with your health worker first.
My feelings
When you find out that you are HIV positive, you may feel:
- Shocked – You may not want to believe that you are indeed HIV positive
- Angry – You may be angry with yourself for having unprotected sex; and angry at your partner for infecting you
- Afraid -You may be afraid of how your family will react. You may also be afraid of dying
- Guilty – You may blame yourself for having unprotected sex
Who can I talk to?
It is easier to cope with the sickness when you know you are loved and accepted as you are. Therefore it is important that you talk to someone who can give you support.
You may want to speak to:
• A friend or member of your family
• A counsellor
• A doctor or health worker
• A minister
• A traditional healer or faith healer
If you don’t have anyone to talk to, you can join a support group. Find out from your local clinic if there are any support groups in your area.
Click on the signpost to learn more about HIV, how it spread it is spread, how you can protect yourself and live a happy, healthy life.
Write a letter
A letter could be a good way to to tell someone you trust that you are HIV positive.
- Think about what you want to say to this person
- Think about what this person will likely say to you
- Write the words down
If you are not yet ready to tell your loved ones about your status, tear up the letter immediately. You don’t want them to find out that you are HIV positive by accident.
