Diagnosed with HIV

s the prevalence of human immu-nodeficiency virus (HIV) contin-ues to increase,1,2 family physicians are encountering more patients at risk for this disease. It is imperative to diagnose patients as early as possible because advances in antiretroviral therapy are result-ing in impressive extensions of life span and increased quality of life,1-3 and because of the need to break the cycle of ongoing infections through preventive behavior changes.4,5 Fam-ily physicians need to be current and comfort-able in their approach to patients at risk for and those infected with HIV. The management of advanced acquired immunodeficiency syn-drome (AIDS), opportunistic infections, and antiretroviral therapy is complex and requires additional training and expertise. However, the initial evaluation and preventive care of patients with HIV is straightforward6,7 and within the scope of family physicians