It is important to counsel persons seeking HIV test because usually they are not aware of the fact that there is no cure for the disease and once positive life will be different. Counseling helps them to face the results in a pragmatic manner.

Family members and employers usually take a harsh view of HIV positive status of a person. He is usually thrown out of the job and rejected by family members. They need to be counseled to accept the person in a empathetic manner.

I have seen medical students, doctors and nursing staff becoming paranoid about having spilled blood of a person (whose HIV status is not known) on their body, and then assuming that they have become positive themselves. Such fears turn into serious psychological problems. Such health professionals need skilful counseling. Counseling also helps them to practice universal precautions.