[header] How to be supportive of a friend with hiv [title] Educate yourself. [step] There are many myths surrounding the disease, and the first thing to do is understand the basic facts about hiv to best help your friend cope with the side effects. As you learn about hiv, also address your own biases, fears, and concerns. 
[substeps] Hiv stands for human immunodeficiency virus, meaning it affects the body's immune system and its ability to fight off disease. Hiv is not the same as aids, but it can develop into aids.