Hi, I'm poz and am worried about infecting my sister and her children if I'm in a car accident with them. They don't know I'm poz and I don't want to tell my sister as it will add to her worries. But, I'm scared to visit and travel in her car just in case of an accident. I have no car myself and when I visit (interstate) I always end up being driven around by the family. This is a psychological issue. Should I tell my sister that I'm poz just in case I should bleed someday and possibly infect her and her family or should I keep quiet so she doesn't have to worry about me in general? This dilemma is really on my mind. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Should you disclose your HIV-positive status to your sister in case you should someday bleed on her because you had a car accident? No, that scenario is extremely unlikely! However, I would encourage you to disclose your status to your sister, because she could be a good support for you. Considering the rather bizarre and morbid thoughts running through your head, I think you could use a stronger support system! Besides, if the situation was reversed and it was sister who was virally enhanced, wouldn't you want to know?

Dr. Bob