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• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 36-40 >> Interview 17 >> Explains that you can take responsibility for treatment decisions using the advice of trusted health professionals to understand complex issues.

He took time to work out who to disclose to and to make treatment decisions (he currently takes Combivir and efavirenz). He initially suffered mental health side-effects (e.g. trouble sleeping, irratibility) but now has few problems with medication.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 31-35 >> Interview 18 >> A midwife and counsellor helped her when she got her HIV results. (Read by an actor.)

Her current combination of abacavir, AZT and 3TC has few side-effects. She feels much better having started exercising and improving her diet. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 20-30 >> Interview 47 >> She visits a number of HIV support groups and this helps her to get training, keep informed and feel supported even when she is down. (Read by an acto

H47 is currently on nevirapine and Combivir with few side-effects. Attending a number of support groups is a good way for her to gain information, network and get training. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 46-55 >> Interview 38 >> Gives advice on caring for the self and balancing HIV with the rest of your life.

Although he has developed a lot of resistance to anti-HIV drugs, he is currently doing well on T20, TMC114 (as part of a trial), FTC, tenofovir and abacavir, and has an undetectable viral load.

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 20-30 >> Interview 27 >> Says that reactions to being HIV positive are all different and follow no set course. (Read by an actor.)

He currently has a viral load of about 160,000 and 360 CD cells, and has not yet begun anti-HIV medication. His diagnosis has been a catalyst in facing up to many issues in his life. (Video and audio clips read by an actor.)

• Chronic health issues >> HIV >> Aged 36-40 >> Interview 11 >> Explains how you could deal with being preached at: You can always change your doctor if you are unhappy with him or her.

He has never needed medication for HIV. Even though he did not think he would live past his 20s, he is now facing middle age.