Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor or healthcare professional the following questions related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome):

1. How will I be tested for HIV?
   
   
2. How long will I have to wait for test results?
   
   
3. How can I reduce my risk of becoming infected?
   
   
4. If I test positive for the virus, how will I be treated?
   
   
5. How soon will I see improvement from the treatment?
   
   
6. Can anything be done to keep HIV from becoming full-blown AIDS?
   
   
7. How can I prevent AIDS from being transmitted to my sexual partner?
   
   
8. How can I prevent AIDS from being transmitted to my unborn child?
   
   
9. If I have AIDS, should I avoid breastfeeding my baby?
   
   
10. If I have AIDS, what should I do to stay as healthy as possible?