The AMFAR AIDS Handbook by Darrell E. Ward: A Chapter by Chapter Summary and Collection of Thoughts

Chapter 1: Diagnosis and Initial Care

This chapter gives an overview of how to obtain a test for HIV infection and what to expect through the testing process.

Although a lot of this section may be considered common sense, I felt it was a very important reference to have handy for anyone going through the testing process. Similar to when you lose a loved one, focus on making simple funeral and wake arrangements is lost and the simplest decisions or implementation of plans becomes an incredibly overwhelming and frenzied task. However, in this situation, you've basically been handed down your own death sentence (should you not pursue proper treatment) and in that state of shock and emotional turmoil, I assume these negative and dysfunctional feelings would be magnified a million times.

I think it would be pretty near impossible to think clearly and focus on what to do next. Therefore, this provides a good outline of what your next step should be for those that may have presently lost the clarity to make decisions due to shock or stress. Additionally, knowing what to expect from this testing process takes a lot of the mystery and fear out of the procedure, as well as informs you of what counseling you are entitled to, should you not get it.

Chapter 2: Testing

This section consists of a brief synopsis of the different testing methods and what they measure.

This chapter can be a little overwhelming, at first, with all the technical terminology and the different tests involved. I definitely had to read it more than once and, if quizzed on it now, I still may not remember all of it. Yet, if I were to go through this process, I would definitely want to understand each step and exactly what each test was measuring, allowing me to interpret what the results may mean. For this purpose, this chapter is a great resource, leaving nothing left unsaid.

Chapter 3: Transmission

Self-explanatory, this chapter discusses ways you can, as well as ways you can't transmit HIV/AIDS.