FAQ & RESOURCES > Disclosing your HIV status

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Who do I need to tell about my HIV status?
What is the easiest way to tell my family?
How do I tell my partner I have HIV?
How do I tell the people I may have infected with HIV?
Do I need to tell my other healthcare providers, like my dentist, that I have HIV?

Who do I need to tell about my HIV status?

You should tell all former sex partners so they can be tested. Most health departments will notify your contacts for you, if you would like to remain anonymous. You should also tell anyone with whom you expect to engage in sexual activity. Disclosing your status can sometimes end a relationship, so being prepared for this "rejection" is important. Some people only date and engage in sexual activity with others who are HIV positive.

Although this might make disclosure somewhat easier, you should still practice safer sex to avoid transmitting another strain of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Disclosure is a difficult topic, even if you have been HIV-positive for a long time. Practice disclosing your status with someone you trust or your healthcare provider. Some people find support by disclosing to their friends and family first so they can be supportive of disclosure to your sex partners.

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What is the easiest way to tell my family?

There is no easy way to tell anyone about your HIV status. Telling family can be complicated. They may need to be educated about HIV before they feel comfortable or understand. You have to determine if telling your family will help you deal with HIV, or make it more difficult. Get support from friends and your healthcare provider before telling family.

Practice disclosing your status with someone you trust. Know that sometimes it will take education, occasionally counseling, but most importantly, time, for some people to understand what your status means. Some family members might experience many of the same emotions you did when you first learned of your diagnosis. Give them time to work through this on their own. Don't underestimate the support you might receive from them when you disclose your status.

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How do I tell my partner I have HIV?

Telling your partner might be quite difficult. Some people fear their relationship will not survive, but some relationships actually become closer. Your partner might initially have fears about his or her own HIV status and the need to be tested. Being HIV positive doesn't mean you can't have a relationship or sex; it just means you must deal with disclosing your status and practicing safer sex.

Disclosing your status in a new relationship can be difficult but important. It's normal to fear rejection or be afraid the person you disclosed to will share that information with others. Some wait to disclose their status until there are clear feelings of attraction, trust and the possibility of a long-term relationship. But, sometimes the longer you wait, the more your partner may feel betrayed, especially if you have already engaged in sexual activity.

If you are having trouble telling your partner, ask your healthcare provider or a close friend for help.

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How do I tell the people I may have infected with HIV?

Telling people about your HIV status can be difficult, but it might be even more difficult to tell someone that they might also have HIV. However, it's important for them to know and to get tested.

Before you disclose your status to someone who might also be affected, educate yourself about HIV infection. Just as you needed education when you learned of your status, you may have to explain the implications of HIV and the risk of infection. If you wish to remain anonymous, then your local health department might be able to notify former sex partners for you.

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Do I need to tell my other healthcare providers, like my dentist, that I have HIV?

Some people are fearful of disclosing their status to their other healthcare providers, such as a dentist, for fear of being treated differently with regards to infection control procedures. All healthcare providers use personal precautions on every patient, regardless of the patient's HIV status.

Your healthcare providers, such as your dentist, should know about your HIV status because they may be able to contribute to your goal of becoming healthier during your treatment. For example, a dentist can help you prevent or treat severe gum disease, which puts you at risk for infections, especially if exposed to infected body fluids.

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Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.