This booklet is for you if you’ve just found out you have HIV. You might also find it helpful if you’ve known for a while, but have not wanted to think about it much until now.

The booklet covers things that we often want to know about at this time. There’s straightforward information about what HIV is and how we can look after our health. The booklet talks about having sex when you have HIV, and whether or not it’s a good idea to share your news with other people.

When we find out that we have HIV, some common feelings include fear, worry, embarrassment, shame, sadness, loneliness, blame, hopelessness, dirtiness, anger at ourselves, anger at others and guilt. Some of us just feel numb, and some of us even feel relieved.

Different people have different ways of dealing with feelings like these. Some of us carry on as if nothing has happened, some of us search out lots of information, and some of us prefer to keep our thoughts to ourselves.

We may find it difficult to tell anyone at all about what’s happened, or we may choose to get the support of a few trusted friends. Some of us don’t mind if everyone knows.

The booklet also talks about those professionals, organisations and support groups who are there to help. Although it can be a difficult step to talk about our situation with other people, talking to someone we can trust may help. It may become easier to understand what is going on and to work out ways of dealing with the situation. We may also get specific information that’s particularly relevant to us.

Finding out that you have HIV can be upsetting. This booklet may help by giving clear, factual information, and reassuring you that life does go on.