1. Take a deep breath. Learning that you're HIV - positive is a shock. But it's not as bad as may think. With the medicines we have today to suppress the virus, it may be possible to live without experiencing the symptoms of AIDS indefintely. 2. Find a doctor who is experienced in dealing with HIV and AIDS. This is no time to rely on your family doctor. HIV treatment is very complex and it changes all the time. make sure your doctor is an HIV specialist. If you are newly infected, you may not need to take HIV medicines for years. But you need a doctor right now to monitor your viral load and T-cell count. 3. Take your meds. When you do go on meds, the most important thing you can do TAKE THEM! On time. Every time! When it comes to HIV medications, you can't afford to miss a dose. 4. Practice safer sex. For anyone with HIV, using condoms is a must. Learn how HIV is transmitted, and how to prevent it. Practice safer sex not only to protect your partners, but also to protect yourself. yes, you are already HIV-positive. But there are all kinds of strains and mutations of HIV - some of which are resiistant to multiple HIV drugs - and you don't want anything you don't already have. 5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. When your immune system is challenged, you need to take better care of yourself. If you're abusing drugs or alcohol, now is the time to stop. 6. Get in shape. One of the most positive things you can do for yourself is start a regular program of exercise. Working out with weights helps you build lean muscle mass, which is critically important for people with HIV. 7. Protect your heart. If you're on HIV meds - especially if you're on a regimen that includes a Protease Inhibitor - ask your doctor for a complete cholesterol check, which is also called a "lipid panel." 8. Learn all you can about your virus. You're going to be dealing with HIV for the rest of your life - so it only makes sense to learn all you can about it. Read up. Do the research. Become an HIV expert. 9. Contact your local ASO. An ASO (AIDS Support Organization) can help you in dozens of different ways. Depending on where you live, you may find that they can hook you up with everything from primary health care and medications to housing, drug and alcohol treatment, transportation, psychologial counseling and legal representation. 10. Keep your head up. One of the greatest risk you face as a person living with HIV is depresion. Don't let it get you!