The carrier communities of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its associated syndrome, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), are particularly active on the web. The activity of these communities has not only operated as crucial self-support but also as support for immunologists. After expounding on some elements of the relationship of HIV/AIDS communities and the Internet in recent years, this case study observes how Internet use contributes to improving carrier living standards. In particular, it considers: a) the influence of Internet use on management that the antibody positive person makes of secondary effects caused by antiretroviral treatment and b) the influence of the aforesaid use on the doctor-patient relationship, particularly on the process of therapeutic co-decision-making.

The results are: Internet use is on the increase among carriers, yet it also more occasional and extends to other aspects of life, in the measure that AIDS tends to become a chronic disease due to modern therapies in developed countries. The doctor-patient relationship is influenced and modified by the use that HIV+ communities make of the Internet and the consequent self-training of their members. Secondary effects and new therapies are the recurring information searches on the Internet by antibody positive users. The Internet is used as an informational and emotional support. The digital divide is clear among patients, depending on transmission channels and socio-cultural level. Tendency: the degree of satisfaction regarding information in relation to new treatments and secondary effects that the user holds is greater whenever Internet use is greater.
In a supplementary role, the paper develops an analysis of lectures presented at the International AIDS Conference, recently held in Barcelona (July, 2002), in which the information society was of relevant interest among the subjects discussed.

HIV/AIDS, Virtual Community, Accessibility, Self-support groups, Electronic health (eHealth).