AIDS: The revised HIV Adult Standard of Care guidelines, produced by ACT UP/Philadelphia, are printed. The extensive table summarizes the minimum standard of care needed for individuals with HIV infection to maximize their quality and length of life. Divided into sections by T4 cell count, the table includes diagnostic tests and exams that patients may wish to have done at certain times in their disease progression. Treatment options are suggested for HIV disease, opportunistic infections, and other AIDS-related symptoms. Highlights of the many discussions on protease inhibitors at the 11th International AIDS Conference in Vancouver are described. Saquinavir has the lowest bioavailability of the three approved protease inhibitors and is awaiting new formulation. Ritonavir works to raise CD4 counts, drop viral load and decrease morbidity and mortality. However, it is poorly tolerated in about half of all users who describe gastrointestinal trauma. Indinavir has been shown to decrease viral loads to undetectable levels for 48 weeks, and shows promise for sustaining that measure for longer periods. Nelfinavir will likely be approved in early 1997. In addition, viral load monitoring has become a significant measure in guiding the efficacy of combination therapies, when used in conjunction with CD4 tests. The Philadelphia Water and Health Departments are suggesting that individuals not boil their water, despite outbreaks among people with AIDS of cryptosporidium. Filtered and bottled water are safer alternatives until there is a resolution.