Back toUpdated on July 1, 2023
Dr. Jennifer Caudle, DO helps you find the words for talking to the people in your life about your HIV diagnosis.
Transcript
Hi, I'm Dr. Jennifer Caudle, and I'm going to help you find the words for talking to the people in your life about your HIV diagnosis.
[MUSIC PLAYING] Receiving an HIV diagnosis can feel life-changing.
You might want to talk to your friends and family about it, but misinformation and stigmas can make it especially daunting.
First of all, you don't have to do this on your own. Health counselors and doctors are available to assist you with these conversations.
Revealing your status can be stressful, so be sure to talk with loved ones in a setting that feels private and safe.
And know they might need to take some time to process the news. Let the folks in your life know that HIV is not
a death sentence and having HIV does not mean you have AIDS. If you want, tell them about your treatment
and that you can still do everything someone living without HIV can do. Assure folks that HIV cannot be spread through things like
water, shaking hands, hugging, or sharing dishware. It can help to be prepared with information as loved ones might have some questions,
so you may want to have these talks after you've consulted with your doctor. Ideally, conversations will go well. But know that people might react in ways that are harmful.
So make sure you prioritize your safety. In some states, you're legally obligated to disclose your HIV
status to sexual or injection partners. Take a look at the CDC's website to learn more about this. But luckily, you don't have to do this alone.
There are partner services out there that can help or even share your status for you. Take a look online for more information.
It's always a good idea to tell a future partner about your status so they can make the right decisions for their health. Now, when it comes to talking to an employer,
only do it if you're comfortable. And remember, it's legally confidential. Remember, how much you want to share is up to you.
If you're struggling with HIV and the conversations around it, talk to your doctor too. Together, you can find the best way forward.
