AIDS related stigma possesses a variety of negative consequences for the individual who is HIV positive, as well as uninfected individuals or people who do not know if they are HIV positive or HIV negative.  People who find out that they are seropositive are going through a time of emotional distress and anxiety, that  has been shown to be higher in the first 10 weeks after discovery of his or her seropositivity.  (Jemmott,  Sanderson, & Miller, 1995)  It is a time when people need social support.  However, with AIDS related stigma, some infected individuals are not given the support they need.   Some are ostracized, and rejected by his or her peers and families because they either do not have enough information about AIDS or HIV or because has been assoicated with marginalized homosexual and drug behavior in our society.   

       "HIV related stigma is associated with psychological distress and can interfere with coping, adjustment, and management of HIV."  (Chesney & Smith, 1999, P 1162)   
       Effective HIV management first requires initial testing for the HIV antibody.  If people do not know their results then they can not effectively manage the HIV disease.  The sooner one learns of their results, the sooner one can start treatment and get access to care.  Stigmatization of HIV and AIDS disrupts this important action for some.  "Stigma is associated with delays in HIV testing by people who are at high risk for HIV infection." (Chesney & Smith, 1999, P 1163)  During these delays when HIV positive people do not know of their seropositive status, people may  be engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sexual penetration or injection needle sharing, and thus unknowingly transmit HIV to others.  In a survey conducted by Stall et al. , 1996, 828 homosexual and bisexual males who were unaware of their HIV status, two thirds stated that the stigma  surrounding HIV positive results were a reason for not getting an HIV antibody test.  Statements such as, "I'm afraid the test results would affect my relationships, " and "I'm afraid the test results would be used against me" were said in the survey for reasons not to get tested.   
       In addition, the stigma contributes to the psychological burden of receiving a positive HIV test result.  HIV does not prohibit one to have an active lifestyle such as employment or friends.  With the new treatments available, people can live for a very long period of time, while still enjoying life.  Yet, with the stigma focusing on the fatal aspect of AIDS, people are not focusing on the living years.  (Meyer, 1992) 

      Moreover, HIV positive individuals decisions about disclosure of his or her seropositive results reflect the impact of the stigma.  This can include the fear of ostracization, prejudice, rejection, and the desire to avoid pity from others. This can cause the HIV positive individual to become isolated and feel alone.  (Chesney & Smith, 1999) ( Herek, 1999) 

       Thus, AIDS Related stigma has many consequences that can affect the infected individual's life as well as others.  It is critically needed for this stigma to be countered because if not, "high risk individuals will continue to avoid testing, HIV positive individuals will fail to disclose their status and risk infecting others, and people living with HIV disease will not take advantage of the treatments that are available to maintain their health and well being."  (Chesney & Smith, 1999, 1170)  In addition, please go a medical professional for any other questions you might have.