Being infected is not a death sentence and the most important thing is to get connected to services and support. It does mean you will carry the virus in your body for the rest of your life. It also means you can infect other people if you have unprotected sex or share needles. You can infect others even if you feel fine and have no symptoms of illness. Perhaps more importantly, you can infect others when you don't know you carry HIV. It is important that you talk with your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss ways to keep yourself healthy and to reduce your risk of transmitting HIV to partners. Reducing risk is important even if you have already had a positive test, because it is possible to become infected with another STD with serious health consequences, or to become infected with an even more dangerous strain of HIV. And remember, if you are a woman who is living with HIV, you can pass the infection to your baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Special medications are given at public clinics to help ensure that your baby is born healthy.

If you are HIV positive, it is very important to get connected to a health care provider as soon as possible. Left untreated, HIV can cause serious health problems. And, advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS are occurring all the time-new medications are allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. Medical management and treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Here are some important steps to protect your health:

• See a doctor, even if you don't feel sick. If possible, see a doctor who has experience treating HIV. Consulting someone about your treatment options is the first step towards staying healthy.
• Find a support system. The emotional and physical challenges ahead can be difficult, and having people around to help is important. Ask your doctor about counselors and support groups that can help you.
• Talk with your partner(s). Tell your sexual partner about your HIV status and make sure you reduce your risk of transmitting the virus by practicing safer sex, including using latex condoms or dental dams, if you are having sex.