Accepting and helping your friend with HIV/AIDS

I am quite sure there are very few children who do not know about HIV/AIDS.  

How you can contract it, how it spreads and what it does to your body.

To make sure that you understand what it is, watch the video.

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The most common way in which people contract this virus is through unprotected sex with an infected person, or because they used dirty needles when using drugs.  So it is understandable that most people do not want to tell everybody that they have HIV/AIDS, because besides from being very scared, they can also feel ashamed and alone.

If a friend of you confides in you that they have the virus, do not just assume that they got it because the are a 'bad' person.  Nobody is perfect and make sure you get your facts straight.  Even though the chances are good that they got it through unprotected sex, it does not mean that they are 'wild' or sleep around.  You only need to have sex with one infected person to contract it.

If your friend asks you to keep the secret, it is your duty to respect that.  It is not your story to share.  They told you because they trust you, so do not break that trust.  If they want to share it with others, that is their decision, NOT yours.

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS but there are medicines that can help prolong the person's life.  You can maybe volunteer to go with them to the clinic or doctor to get their meds and also make sure they drink it every day.

Be prepared that it will be very emotional for them, so even if it is a shock to you, you need to be strong for them and not just go into 'negative mode' and point out that they are 'doomed'.

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The most important thing you can do for your friend is to accept them in the same way you always have.  Having HIV/AIDS did not change them overnight in a different person.  Make sure they know you will still be there for them.

Do not tell them every single day how sorry you feel for them, they would like to be treated as you normally did.

They told you because they trust you and it can also be that you know about their situation so that say for instance they cut themselves or bleed in one or other way that you know that you have to be extra careful.

Your friend does not have a virus that you will catch because you are friends or you give them a hug, drink from the same cup or use the same toilet.  Make sure you are up to date with your knowledge on how you can get HIV/AIDS and how not.

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At the end of the day it is still your choice if you want to support your friend and be there for them, but if you feel you cannot deal with it, then be honest with them.  Do not just ignore them are start spreading stories about them in the hope that they will leave you alone.  This will make them feel even worse than they already do.

If you decide to be there for them, make sure you are there on the bad and the good days and if other people know about it and are mean to your friend, stand up for them.  

It is also important that you take care of yourself - if you feel emotional about the situation, talk about it and there is nothing wrong if you sometimes just want some 'me' time.  Away from your friend or any worries.

Nobody wants to be alone or ignored and having someone on your side will make even the worst disease more bearable.