Dear Counsellor

I have a wife and a young baby in a rural parish but I work in the corperate area. I have several outside sexual relationships. I rotate my outside relationships so that I will have no obligations to any of these girls. I sometimes use condoms with my girlfriends but I don't use condoms with my wife. One of my girlfriends is now very sick. I heard she has AIDS. Should I be worried? I am feeling fine, I am not sick. My baby is also healthy. As a matter of fact, I can remember I only had sex with her without condoms three times.

Concerned Husband

Dear Concerned Husband

It is possible for a person to become infected with HIV the virus that causes AIDS from a first and only sexual encounter. You had unprotected sex (sex without the condom) with this woman on three occasions. that was enough time for you to become infected with HIV. The fact that you are not sick is not enough to say you are not infected with HIV. It is also possible for you to be infected and your baby is healthy. Remember, you cannot tell by looking if someone is infected with HIV. You should seek to get tested as soon as possible. If you continue to have unprotected sex you are not only putting your life at risk but also your wife and the other girls with whom you have sex. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances of meeting one partner who is infected with HIV. You are, therefore, at risk even when you use a condom every time you have sex because condoms can break if they are not used properly.

Negative test for syphillis. Does that mean that I don't have HIV?

Dear Counsellor

Can you tell me if I was tested for HIV when to the clinic last week Monday. I went to the clinic because I have rash on my hands and feet. the nurse took some blood from me. She told me she was testing it to see if I had syphilis. Few hours later, she came back and told me the test was all right. I was asked to see the doctor and all he gave me was an ointment to rub on the affected area.

Barry

Dear Barry

Some people think they are tested for HIV the virus that causes AIDS when they get routine blood tests. This rarely happens. Talk to your health-care provider.

ask what test was done. do not assume the HIV test was done. It is very unlikely that you were tested for HIV at that clinic's visit you described. It is important for you to know that the HIV test is not usually done without the individual's knowledge and consent.

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 1888-991-4444, or write to the AIDS Affair c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.