People you need to tell

In many states you are required to tell any current, past, and future sexual partners and anyone you may have shared needles with about your HIV status. You may also be required to tell healthcare providers. Telling providers and dentists is a good idea in any case, because it means better health care for you.

It's best to tell a current or future sexual partner about your HIV status in person. But you may be too uncomfortable contacting all the people you shared sex or needles with in the past. If this is the case, your local health department can help you. The agency can release this information and keep your identity private. Check with your local health department about your state's legal requirements.

Telling friends and loved ones

Not all your friends and loved ones need to know. The main benefit for you is their understanding and support. So you need to think about which trusted friends and family members are most likely to offer the support you need.

Here are tips that can help you in this process:

• Be prepared emotionally. Before you disclose your HIV status, get some support and feedback from a trusted friend or counselor. Make sure you are ready to accept all the possible reactions to the news.

• Be prepared with information. Loved ones may have lots of questions, so try to be prepared to answer them. Expect that people you tell may need time to adjust. They may also need support themselves, so be ready to offer them resources.

• Pick the right place and time. Make sure you share this information when you have enough time and privacy. Once you are ready, don't put it off. That only makes talking about it more difficult.

Telling your employer

If you are applying for a new job, the only thing your potential employer has the right to ask is if you are healthy enough to do the job. You are not required to disclose your HIV status. If you are already employed, you don't need to tell anyone at work about your HIV status. But there are some times when it might be to your benefit to tell your employer, particularly if your illness or its treatment interferes with work.

Here's what you need to know:

• You are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As long as you can do your job, your employer must make reasonable accommodations to help you.

• Get a letter from your healthcare provider explaining what kind of help you need. This could be extra rest. Or it may be a change in your schedule or work assignments.

• Tell your employer you want to keep working. Let them know if you want to keep your HIV status private.

• If in doubt about your legal rights, talk to a benefits counselor or a legal expert.

If you are having a hard time telling anyone, talk with an experienced healthcare provider or social worker. Or you can contact an HIV service organization for help. One such organization is Project Inform. Project Inform has a health information line and 24-hour emotional support line that can help you practice what you would say to people, among other benefits. You can reach them at 800-822-7422 or 800-628-9240, or online.

Telling people about your HIV status can be very difficult. But once you have told the people who need to know, it can be a great relief. You won't need to hide or be afraid any longer, and these people may make it easier for you to live with and thrive with HIV infection. Often people find that after disclosing, the relationships that really count get closer and stronger.