Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: My boyfriend and I have a beautiful 9-month-old baby. We live together and adore this child. Here's the problem.

My cousin, "Nellie," has a boyfriend who is HIV positive. I know for a fact that she is having unprotected sex with him. I strongly suspect that Nellie is HIV positive, but I have no proof, and Nellie has never brought up the subject.

When Nellie came to our house last week, she kissed our baby on his hands and face. The baby then placed his hands in her mouth and then back into his own mouth. I felt extremely uncomfortable about this, especially since the baby is teething and any kind of germ could easily get into the openings in his gums.

I realize it is unlikely, if not impossible, to transmit HIV through saliva, but this still makes me uneasy. Nellie doesn't realize we are aware of her sexual behavior, because we were told in confidence. I don't know how to approach her about this and am reluctant to have her visit. Is it possible our baby will contract HIV this way? Please help me. I am turning into a nervous wreck. — Upset Mom in Calif.

Dear Upset Mom: It is extremely unlikely that your baby is infected. People don't get HIV from touching the saliva of an HIV-infected person. For your own peace of mind, you should go to the library and read up on the subject or talk to your doctor about this.

As for Nellie, if she is having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive male, she is in grave danger of becoming infected, if it hasn't already happened. Don't WAIT for an opportunity to discuss this; MAKE one, even if it seems a bit awkward. This is no time for social niceties. Tell Nellie to discuss this with a health professional at once. That girl needs help.

Dear Ann Landers: I've been reading a lot lately about cigarette smoking and the liability of the tobacco companies and decided to write to you. About 20 years ago, I discovered a foolproof way to stop smoking. I asked a friend who is a physician to write a fictitious note on his prescription pad as follows:

"Dear Mr. C.: The recent X-rays, MRIs and examinations reveal that you have double lobe lung cancer from many years of smoking cigarettes. Regretfully, this diagnosis is terminal. I suggest you get your affairs in order promptly."

I knew this memo could have been for real. I placed it in my billfold where I would see it every day. The next morning, I gave up cigarettes cold turkey. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my family. Pass it on. — Cooper City, Fla.

Dear Cooper: Consider it passed.

Is alcohol ruining your life or the life of a loved one? "Alcoholism: How To Recognize It, How To Deal With It, How To Conquer It" can turn things around. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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