Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about HIV/AIDS so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. What is your experience treating HIV-positive patients? Do you have specialized training in this area?

2. How soon should I begin treatment for AIDS? What are the pros and cons of starting drug therapy early in the course of infection?

3. What are the main side effects of antiviral drugs?

4. Once I start treatment do I have to continue taking the drugs for the rest of my life?

5. What is my viral load (the amount of virus in my blood) and my CD4 count, and what does it tell me about my illness?

6. Are there alternative therapies I can consider instead of or in addition to these powerful new drugs?

7. If I get pregnant, can I still deliver a healthy baby? What can be done to protect my baby from AIDS?

8. Should I avoid breastfeeding my baby if I have AIDS? Why?

9. What are the chances of my sexual partner becoming infected if we use condoms?

10. I need to talk to other people with AIDS, who understand what I'm going through. Where can I find a support group?

11. How does HIV infection affect my risk for developing infections and other complications?

12. How can I keep up with new advances in fighting HIV infection and its complications?