How to Tell Someone You Are HIV Positive.
From your AIDS/HIV Guide

Difficulty Level: Difficult    Time Required: As much as you need

1. Know why you want to tell the people you are telling. What do you want from them?
2. Anticipate their reaction. What's the best you can hope for?
3. Learn as much as you can about HIV.
4. Have articles or printed material to give to the person to help them understand.
5. Get support. Talk it over with someone you trust and come up with a plan.
6. Accept the reaction. You can't control the fears and feelings of others.
   

Tips:

1. Health Departments can assist with partner notification and can do it anonymously.
2. Health care providers can give you more appropriate medical care if they know you complete medical history.

Related Information:

• New Mexico AIDS Infonet
• To Tell or Not to Tell
• How to Tell Others you are HIV Positive
  

More How To's from your Guide to AIDS/HIV