There are four things one must do if they discover that they have been infected by HIV. First they should inform all their sexual partners of their HIV status and ask them to get tested. Second, they should stop having sex. If they have a partner who is knowingly and willing still prepared to have sex, then they should always use a condom to minimize the risk of transmission. Third, they should not donate blood. Lastly, they should make sure that if they ever need medical help, then the doctor is informed of their HIV status, just like a person with diabetes informs the doctor by wearing a bracelet with proper inscription.
Being infected by HIV does not mean the end of life. Today there is treatment (medicines) that can allow an HIV+ person to live a reasonably healthy life for many years. This treatment is getting better and cheaper, so one should not loose hope but find a good doctor who is able to provide treatment and good advice. The HIV+ person, with advise from his/her support system consisting of family, friends and doctors, can plan how to live a very fruitful life with the infection and remain productive for as long as possible. HIV should be considered a chronic fatal disease like cancer and not something to be afraid of as it cannot be transmitted by casual contact.
Rajan Gupta