Pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions begin at the time HIV infection is diagnosed and continue to the end of the patient's life. It is important that the nurse and patient communicate effectively with one another about the significance of being HIV positive, including disease progression and treatment modalities. Symptoms of and treatments for early infection (e.g., oral candidiasis, aphthous stomatitis, staphylococcal folliculitis, and herpes zoster) are reviewed. Pneumocystis carinii infection is a major concern; pentamidine, dapsone, and trimethoprim--sulfamethoxazole may be used for prophylaxis. Regimens and guidelines for zidovudine treatment are discussed. Promising antiretroviral therapies include ddI, ddC, CD4, protease inhibitors, and compound Q. Ultimately, vaccines may be available.