Telling someone you have HIV
Living with HIV is not always easy. At difficult times, it may be a relief to talk to someone about it.
Telling people you have HIV can have positive effects. The people who know will understand you better and can give you better support.
When to talk about your HIV status
Talk about HIV when you are ready and you feel the need to talk about it. Many people feel the need to talk when:
- They have just been told they have HIV.
- They have to start taking medicines.
- They start a new relationship.
- The pressure of living with a secret becomes too much to handle.
Choose the moment that is best for you.
Be prepared
Be prepared when you tell someone, as they will ask you questions.
- Try to discover what you are worried about and what makes you uncertain.
- Explain what you are going through as accurately as possible.
- Think about what you want to achieve by telling someone.
- Do not expect an immediate answer or reaction from the person you are telling.
Talk to people who you trust and who can help you.
Many people do not know much about HIV or have prejudices. They may react in a strange or negative way. This is not your fault. You can try to give them correct information about HIV.
Talking to other people with HIV
Via the Dutch HIV association (HIV Vereniging) you can meet other people with HIV, chat online, ask questions and share experiences.
Your HIV status and the law
You are not obliged to tell someone about your HIV status. So not even, for instance, at work or at your sports club.
It can be important to tell health professionals that you have HIV. They will only be able to provide the best care for your health if they know about your infection. You can freely talk to a health professional. They cannot give any information about you to anybody else. They are obliged by law to respect your privacy. They will not judge you.
People are not allowed to discriminate against you because you have HIV.