Precautions/support for best friend?
Hi all! My hearts super heavy tonight and after spending a while on this thread, I thought I might ask for some advice.
My best friend and roomate had been extremely sick the past week. He went to the ER last night and was found to be hiv pos. He woke me up at 4am crying and saying he can’t believe this.
I’m really bad at processing bad news and though this isn’t my personal burden to bear, I’m devastated. I love him so much. I feel so hurt for him. Reading the posts here have been so helpful for me in managing my fears and hopeful expectations for his future. He has an appointment on Tuesday to see his options.
I want to know: 1. How best can I support him until he opens up more? I’m terrible with big scary things and often harbor a lot of emotional trauma when I experience situations like this. I’m so awkward and I don’t know how to act. I just want to make sure I’m saying the right things, showing up the right way, making this journey more comfortable for him. I also just need him to know that I accept him and that it doesn’t change our friendship in any way. I told him that this morning but I need my actions to reflect that.
What precautions might he need to take in the future to stay healthy? I assume his appointment Tuesday will lead him to being on prep. Is there anything else he could be doing to maintain his health and immunity? We have pets (litter boxes), not a single first aid kit in the house, he smokes etc. Literally just ground zero trying to figure out how to protect him.
What precautions might I need to take? We’ve lived together 10 years and in the past it was nothing for me to use his razor to shave a stray neck hair or share earrings etc. I know there are things I’ll need to think a little more about going forward. Should I be on any medication to reduce risk? A full day of research put me of the mind that unless we’re having sex or sharing needles, I’m fine. But just wanted to make sure in case anyone had any advice about anything I haven’t thought about.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. The posts in this community have already settled my panic so so much. I love to see the majority of you just absolutely rocking life. I’m so grateful that treatment is an option for you and my friend.