I've just found out I'm HIV-positive: the first steps

First: breathe

Finding out you are HIV-positive is a shock, even when you half-expected it. Anger, fear, shame, sometimes relief: every reaction is normal. What you need to know right away is that HIV is very treatable. With treatment, people live as long as HIV-negative people (AIDES) and, once the viral load is undetectable, they no longer pass on the virus (Sexosafe).

Step 1: confirm the result

A positive self-test or rapid test is not a diagnosis. A blood test at a lab, sexual health clinic or doctor’s is needed to confirm it. If a lab test was already positive, a second confirmation sample is taken anyway: that is standard procedure.

Step 2: see a doctor quickly

The doctor (or clinic) will refer you to an infectious diseases unit or a doctor who specialises in HIV. The first check-up measures viral load and CD4 cells, looks for other STIs and hepatitis, and checks whether the virus is resistant to certain drugs.

Antiretroviral treatment is now offered straight after diagnosis. Often it is one pill a day. In France it is 100% covered.

Step 3: don’t stay alone

• AIDES offers drop-ins, one-to-one support and groups of people living with HIV.
• Sida Info Service (France) answers on 0 800 840 800, free and anonymous.
• A psychologist can help, especially if the news reopens old wounds (family rejection, homophobia, depression). See mental health.

You don’t have to tell your family, employer or friends. Medical confidentiality protects you; you choose who to tell and when.

Step 4: tell your recent partners

It’s delicate but important: partners from the last few months need to be able to get tested and, if contact was less than 48 hours ago, ask for PEP. If you don’t feel able to do it yourself, the doctor or clinic can help you notify them, sometimes anonymously.

Step 5: until you are undetectable

When treatment starts, viral load drops over a few weeks to a few months. Until it has been undetectable for 6 months, protect your partners: condoms, or a partner on PrEP. After that, treatment alone protects against HIV (but not other STIs).

Frequently asked questions

Will I get AIDS?

No, if you take your treatment. AIDS is the advanced stage of untreated infection (see HIV and AIDS).

Can I still have a sex life?

Yes. Many HIV-positive people have fulfilling sex lives, including without condoms once undetectable. Testing for other STIs is still useful.

What if other people’s reactions are hard to deal with?

Rejection and discrimination still exist: that is HIV stigma. It is illegal in many situations and there are ways to fight it.

Where can I learn more about treatment?

Read our guide living with HIV.