Dear Counsellor:

I recently found out my uncle is infected with AIDS. He is very ill and lives with us. We all use the same utensils, and bathroom and toilet facilities. What should I do to protect myself so that I do not get this terrible infection from my uncle?

Concerned Niece

Dear Concerned Niece:

Sorry to hear that your uncle is very ill. In addition, I must remind you that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is not spread by casual contact - that is by hugging, holding hands, sharing utensils, or other household facilities. You can only get HIV through an exchange of body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, and semen, which contain HIV. Do not avoid your uncle; he needs your support. A hug will not harm either of you and might actually be welcomed by your uncle.

Sex for a living

Dear Counsellor:

I am a 19-year-old female. I engage in sex for a living, but I am in a rural town and I mainly go to clients where I either have sex in the sea or in a pool because it is my understanding that the strength of the salt water and the chlorine from the pool will kill HIV, so I do not have to worry about transmission. Now I am hearing conflicting arguments that I am actually not practising safe sex.

Misled Teen

Dear Misled Teen:

You have been truly misinformed. Many people think that having sex in the sea or in water will prevent them from getting sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This is not true! The only sure way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is to:

Abstain from having sex;

Have sex with only one person who is not infected and who has sex with only you (one faithful and uninfected partner);

Use a condom every time you have sex.

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 1888-99-4444.