Dear Counsellor:
I recently found out that I am pregnant and am very excited. It is something I have been anxiously waiting for. One thing frightens me though is that my doctor is recommending that I get tested for HIV.
He told me HIV testing of pregnant women is a recommendation from the Ministry of Health. Why is the Ministry of Health recommending that all pregnant women be tested for HIV? It is indeed very scary!
Worried Mother
Dear Worried Mother
Yes, doing the HIV test can be very scary especially if you are not prepared to do it. However, there are many benefits. There are now medical treatments available to lower the chance of an HIV-infected pregnant women passing HIV to her baby before, during or after the baby is born.
HIV testing and counselling will provide an opportunity for you, a pregnant woman, to find out:
If you are infected
To gain access to medical treatment that may help to delay development of AIDS or other disease progression.
It allows you to make informed choices during delivery that can prevent transmission of HIV to your baby.
If you are not infected, HIV counselling provides an opportunity for you to learn important prevention information so that you could reduce the possibility of you becoming infected in the future.
Scared to be tested
Dear Counsellor:
I really want to get tested for HIV but I am scared. What if I test positive?
Worried L
Dear Worried L
If you test positive for HIV the virus that causes AIDS, then you would be able to take steps to protect your health. Therefore the sooner you know that you are HIV positive the better off you will be. Early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Prompt medical care helps to delay the onset of AIDS and life-threatening conditions.
There are a number of important steps you can take immediately to protect your health.
See a health care provider who has experience in treating HIV, even if you do not feel sick. There are a number of medications to treat HIV infection and help you maintain your health. It is never too early to start thinking about treatment possibilities.
It is important for you to get tested for TB (tuberculosis). Many HIV positive persons are infected with TB and don't know. Undetected TB can cause serious illness, but it can be successfully treated if you caught it early.
Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or using illegal drugs (such as cocaine) can weaken your immune system. There are programmes available that can help you reduce or stop using these substances.
There is much you can do to stay healthy. Learn all you can about maintaining good health.
Remember that if you are HIV positive you can transmit it to others. Therefore the sexually active HIV person should always use a condom. However, not having sex (abstaining) is the most effective way to avoid transmitting HIV to others.
Waiting period for HIV test
Dear Counsellor:
How long after possible exposure to HIV should I wait to get tested?
Lue
Dear Lue
The tests commonly used to detect HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) infection are actually looking for antibodies produces by an individual immune system when they are exposed to HIV. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within eight weeks (2 months) after exposure.
What causes bumps on my penis?
Dear Counsellor:
I would like you to tell me what could cause me to be experiencing reddish bumps on my penis.
L.J.
Dear L.J.
It is not possible for me to tell you what is wrong. You must get medical assessment as soon as possible so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.
For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764, or toll free at 1-888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affairs c/o THE STAR, 7 North Street, Kingston
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