HIV/AIDS Information
for the Clueless

This site is designed especially for those who have recently learned that someone they care about has HIV/AIDS. I will try to respond to common questions in a way that ordinary people can understand. To contribute questions, answers, corrections, or comments, please email me. I will respond personally unless/until I get flooded with mail.

Please bear in mind that I am a concerned lay person, not a doctor. For advice on medical decisions, please consult your doctor or other health professional.

1. What is AIDS?

2. What causes AIDS?

3. What is HIV?

4. What what is the difference between being HIV positive and having AIDS?

5. Is my friend going to die?

6. Am I going to catch HIV/AIDS from my friend?

7. If my friend has HIV/AIDS, does that mean he is gay?

8. If my friend has HIV/AIDS, does that mean she was promiscuous?

9. What medicines are available for people with HIV/AIDS?

10. Other than medicines, what else helps?

11. What does viral load mean?

12. What is a CD4 count?

13. How can I help my friend?

14. Are my reactions normal?

15. Who can help me deal with this?

There will be a section here on HIV/AIDS resources on the internet when I have time to write it. Just to get started, here is one. The United Methodist Church, General Board of Global Ministries, HIV/AIDS Ministries Network gives information on the United Methodist response to HIV/AIDS.

Here is a long list of HIV/AIDS links.

The Test Positive Awareness Network (TPAN) is specific to the Chicago area. That's the closest I could find to Champaign-Urbana.

Back to my home page, Over the Rainbow.

Send me email.

This page last revised August 10, 1998.