DEAR ABBY: At the beginning of the year, I ended my relationship with my boyfriend. Concerned about my sexual health, I went to a clinic for an STD test, and fortunately, the results came back negative. However, a few months later, I started dating someone new whom I had met the previous year. Everything seemed wonderful until I discovered that he is HIV-positive. Shockingly, when I confronted him about it, he denied it.
I returned to the clinic to get tested again and received the devastating news that I am now HIV-positive. Despite using protection initially, we eventually stopped. Currently, my family is unaware of my situation, but he knows. I’m uncertain about how to break this news to my family. — LOVED BUT CONFUSED
DEAR LOVED: Before discussing this with your family, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your diagnosis. You need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as possible. If you are still involved with this individual, it’s critical that he also begins taking medication. Not only does his life depend on it, but he could potentially infect other partners as well.
Once you have started the treatment recommended by your doctor, then inform your family. Be prepared for their possible reaction, as they may want you to distance yourself from the person who failed to disclose their HIV-positive status and subsequently infected you.
Dear Abby, written by Abigail Van Buren (Jeanne Phillips), and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips, is a valuable resource for advice. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
