if you found out your good friend has hiv positive (aids) how would you react?
By liranlgo
@liranlgo (5752)
Israel
9 responses
@Karmalina (647)
• Australia
7 Mar 07
I would be a friend of course! Though I'd be sad that I was going to lose them. I would try to help make the rest of their life as high quality as possible.
@Karmalina (647)
• Australia
8 Mar 07
I haven't been in this situation, but I am aware that you can't contract HIV from friendly contact and think to be weird to the person would be silly.
1 person likes this
@nikkib310 (58)
• United States
7 Mar 07
If i found out my friend had Aids i would be very sad for them. I would not treat them any different. I would have to educate myself more because i would be a little concerned about my safety and theirs. I wouldnt disown my friend because she has this disease. If any thing i will be supportive. Aids can happen to anyone.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
10 Mar 07
I would be supportive and spend time with my friend. Many people are afraid when they don't understand a disease or illness and avoid the other person. My allergies cause me to break out in hives and many people think they can catch them. When I was in grade school, I spent many days sitting in a chair instead of PE because the teacher wouldn't let the class get near me.
@Buchi_bulla (8298)
• India
10 Mar 07
First of all, HIV does not spread by touch or air. Then why should we be afraid of our childhood friend if she/he is suffering by HIV? In fact, being a friend, we should be of support to them, take them to doctor, give courage and be of any help to them.
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
7 Mar 07
No, I wouldn't be afraid to be around a friend if I found out they were hiv positive. I wouldn't treat them any differently. I would offer my support and tell them I was there for them no matter what. It is amazing what you can get through if you have good support!
2 people like this
@Molly322 (125)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I think the natural first reaction is to be worried or even afraid simply because HIV is very scary and there is no cure. It is a human reaction and nothing to be ashamed of.
But after the initial shock wears off, I think it would be important to be supportive of your friend and to not treat them any differently than before. The will have enough on their plate as far as concerns and worries for their future not to have to worry about the friends they will lose or if they will go through this alone.
@Molly322 (125)
• United States
7 Mar 07
Thank you. I've been in a similar situation myself (though not with AIDS/HIV). But when I was diagnosed with epilepsy in HS, I lost a lot of friends who shied away from me because they did not have a good understanding about the disorder. It's not as though they could catch it from me or anything, but suddenly I was sick and different and many didn't know how to relate to me any longer. So I can empathize greatly with your friend who will likely struggle with the same issue. There is such a stigma about the disease still, despite all the information and education available, that there will be people who cannot bring themselves to see the person as being the same as they were before and still treat them as a close friend. It's very sad.
1 person likes this
@sharone74 (4837)
• United States
7 Mar 07
one of my best friends is HIV positive. I still touch and hug him and give him massages when he wants them. It is not something that you can get just from touching them. I don't share glasses or water bottles with him but he is still my friend and these people who are suffering need friends who love them not who are afraid of them.
@kyran_12 (643)
• India
7 Mar 07
i would be never afraid to be with him ........ driving is most dangerous but then we still drive...life is full of unpredictable matter so we have to take care not to avoid it ........ so better being responsible i would like to be with him most of the times .....cheers
