In Europe, the number of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing. More infections of heterosexuals are appearing, and young people and women are becoming more vulnerable. For these people, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) now allows them to live longer with HIV. Also, since antiretroviral therapy has reduced the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the virus, infected men and women can consider parenting, and HIV-infected children are living into adolescence. This synthesis examines how HIV influences family lives and how families deal with the disease.