Aids Affairs| HIV has made him reckless

Dear Counsellor:

My brother found out that he is HIV positive and is devastated. He is taking it very hard. He started drinking, smoking ganja and sleeping around with different women. He has not been home for the last three days. He has not turned up for his work either. I am really upset because of the way he is behaving. He has always been a responsible person. What can I do to help him?

Caring Sister

Dear Caring Sister

Some people who are infected with HIV react to shock by drinking heavily, taking drugs and having sex with lots of people. A few want to infect others so that they are not alone with their suffering. Some persons even give up trying to behave responsibly, while others use the test result as a motivation to sort out their lives. You can help your brother by encouraging him to seek immediate counselling. Good counselling and support from his families and friends is likely to enable him to change his behaviour. He may come to realise that he is not only hurting others, but himself as well. Having sex with multiple persons could expose him to more HIV and he could become re-infected. I hope he will come to realise how dangerous he is now living.

Itchy before my period

Dear Counsellor

For some time now, I have been having intense itching before my period. My tummy hurts badly during and after the period. In addition, I am experiencing a smelly discharge from my vagina. I wonder if that could be a disease. My boyfriend is very wild and I am tired of talking to him about his behaviour. Can you tell me what could be the cause of this intense itching before my period?

Concerned Female

Dear Concerned Female

From what you have been experiencing, it is highly possible that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

You need to visit a doctor immediately so that your condition can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Remember that if you use a condom, your chances of getting a STI would be greatly reduced whenever you have sex. However, if you continue to have sex without a condom, knowing that your boyfriend is an infidel, you could become infected with HIV. You must start thinking seriously. Use a condom every time you have sex.

Dear Counsellor:

Early last week I decided to get a complete medical examination. I had blood tests, urine test etc. I went back to the doctor on Monday of this week and was told by my doctor that I am in good health. Does that mean that I don't have HIV?

Confused

Dear Confused:

Doctors do not routinely test for HIV the virus that causes AIDS. You should not assume that your blood was tested for HIV. The HIV test is not usually done without the patients' knowledge and consent. If you are concern ask your doctor to be a little more specific as to what test were done.

Dear Counsellor:

I am a 23-year-old girl who is in love with a man who is 68-year-old. Whenever we make love all he wants to do is oral sex. Can I get HIV from oral sex? My boyfriend told me the saliva is harsh and could kill the virus.

Young Jenny

Dear Young Jenny:

You can get sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS from oral sex. The saliva has nothing to do in preventing you from becoming infected with STIs. Sexually transmitted infections are spread during sexual intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. STI germs need to live in warm, moist areas. That's why they infect the mouth, rectum and sex organs (vagina, vulva, penis and testes). My suggestion to you is to practice safer oral 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 1888-991-4444.