FAQs
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What is HIV?
HIV stands for the ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus’
HIV is a virus. It belongs to a group of viruses known as retroviruses. Viruses infect cells of living organisms and replicate (make new copies of themselves) within those cells. A virus can damage the cells it replicates itself in, which is one of the things that can make an infected creature or person ill. HIV attacks our immune system. Our immune system is a group of cells and organs that protect our bodies by fighting disease. The human immune system usually finds and kills viruses fairly quickly. However, the HIV virus attacks the immune system and that is why it is so dangerous, because once that happens, our bodies find it more difficult to fight off any other viruses successfully. The HIV virus is carried in all bodily fluids of the infected person. Someone who is infected with HIV is said to be ‘HIV+’ or ‘HIV positive’.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is caused by HIV. As time goes by, a person who is HIV positive is likely to become ill more often, and eventually they become ill with one of a number of particularly serious illnesses. It is at this point, when the number of immune system cells left in their body drops below a certain point or number that a person is then said to have AIDS, rather than HIV.
AIDS is an extremely serious condition, and by the time a person has AIDS their bodies stand little chance of fighting off any infections.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR HIV or AIDS
There is medication, known as Antiretroviral Medication which, if taken correctly, can help to slow down the onset of AIDS. However, as there is no cure for HIV and AIDS, it is very important to try and prevent yourself from becoming infected with the HIV virus in the first place.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE TESTED?
It is important for us all to know whether or not we have become infected with the HIV virus, because if we know our status, we can live our lives accordingly. It is impossible to tell if someone has the virus without having a test. Many people are living with the virus without knowing that they are HIV positive.
Where can you go to be tested?
Go to your nearest clinic, hospital or doctor and ask to be tested.
Where can you go to be tested?
The test is very simple. You will give your written consent to be tested. The nurse or doctor will explain the test to you, and they will talk to you about HIV and AIDS. They will discuss the help that will be available to you if your test is positive. Once you have received counseling, you will then have the test.
The doctor or nurse must show you that the test is sealed. The expiry date on the packet must be checked, to ensure that your test will be accurate. The nurse will then remove the lancet from a sealed container, and prick your finger to take your blood. The blood is put onto the little container and a drop of serum (medicine) is added to your blood. It will just take a couple of minutes for the test to work, and you will know your status. Of course you will be nervous, but remember you are doing the right thing. YOU ARE FINDING OUT YOUR STATUS.
What happens if you are HIV negative?
Well done, you do not have the HIV virus. Now it is important to remain that way. How do you do that?
- - Always practice Safe Sex – use a condom at all times
- - Remain faithful to one partner
- - Remember, you have the right to say no to your husband or wife if you think they have been unfaithful. You have the right to tell your partner to use a condom
- - Be very careful when helping other people who may be ill. Use gloves, or cover your hands with a plastic packet if you need to nurse someone who is ill
- - Go for a test on a regular basis
What happens if you are HIV positive?
So your test has come back positive. You have contracted the HIV virus and are now HIV positive. It is not the end of the world. You can live for many years provided you take care of yourself and follow some simple rules.
Can you, or should you, have sex if you are HIV positive?
Yes, there is no reason why you should not have sex, providing you always practice safe sex. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and your partner by practicing safe sex.
What is SAFE SEX or RESPONSIBLE SEX?
Safe Sex or Responsible sex is always using a condom, or ensuring that your partner wears a condom .Do not take any chances – the risk is too high. Tell your partner you are HIV positive – he or she has a right to know.
Always practice SAFE SEX – use a condom at all times. If you have unprotected sex you can contract other viruses, even if you are already HIV positive. You could also infect your partner, if you don’t condomise. Even if you and your partner are both HIV positive, you must continue to use a condom as you can infect each other with other different viruses every time you have sex. Every time you contract new viruses you weaken your immune system, which can lead to you getting full blown aids far quicker.
If you are on treatment, follow the instructions carefully and do not stop taking your medicine unless you are told to do so by your doctor or clinic.
Try and eat a healthy diet. If possible, try and eat fresh vegetables and fruit that have been washed.
Drink lots of clean water. Boil your water if you live in an area where you do not have access to treated water. This will stop you from getting a runny stomach from water that is not clean. Wash your hands after going to the toilet.
If you feel unwell, or develop a cough that lasts longer than a few days, go to your clinic. Tell them that you are HIV positive, and ask them for advice. Take care of yourself. Remember, you can live for many years with HIV providing you take good care of yourself.
Should you have a baby if you are HIV positive?
There are many points to consider before you make the decision to have a child.
- - Every time you have a baby, your immune system becomes weaker
- - Remember that every child has a right to expect to be brought up by a mother and father. Can you guarantee that you will live long enough to see your child grow up? There are many AIDS orphans in this world – do not be selfish when making your decision
- - Discuss the matter with your partner
However, if you decide to go ahead and have a baby, please follow the simple advice that follows.
- - Please visit your nearest clinic, hospital or doctor and confirm your pregnancy
- - Tell the nurse or doctor that you are HIV positive. This is very important as they will then be able to advise you correctly
- - Eat healthy, wholesome food. Drink a lot of clean or boiled water, and as much milk as possible. Wash all fruit and vegetables to avoid becoming ill
- - Remember to practice Safe Sex. Now that you are pregnant you do not want to become infected with any other viruses. This will just weaken your immune system and that will put you under greater risk and it will put your baby under greater risk of becoming HIV infected
- - It is advisable to have your baby in a hospital or clinic if you are HIV positive. The doctors and nurses will know how to deal with the birth of your baby safely, and this will ensure that your baby has the best possible start to life
Once you have had your baby, you need to take care of yourself and your baby correctly. Visit your clinic or hospital regularly. Ask for advice on how to feed your baby correctly to minimize the risk of your baby becoming ill. Remember, you are now a mother and need to take responsibility for yourself and your baby. Practice safe sex at all times. Each time you have a baby, your immune system becomes weaker, so avoid having another baby by practicing safe sex. You owe it to you child to be a responsible, caring parent.
To all the men out there, remember it is as much your responsibility as it is the woman’s to always practice safe sex.