[roamer]

Very difficult to judge what information
is unbiased/reliable.
I would agree there is a fair bit of "fear mongering" as you call it.
I don`t think HIV is as prevalent/easy to contract
as some would have you believe.

To answer your question on how a newbie should be approaching the subject I`d have to recommend using condoms
while shagging.
After you`ve done some trips and read more views on
the subject it`s then Up to You.