Aids Affairs: My ex died of AIDS, should I get tested?

Dear Counsellor,

A man I had a brief sexual encounter with is rumoured to have died of AIDS. At first I was not worried, but now that my present boyfriend has tested positive for HIV, I am concerned. I whispered the whole thing to my girlfriend and she told me that I should get tested as well, but I don't know if that is necessary because I'm feeling fine. I cannot tell the last time I felt the slightest pain. I am even putting on weight. Do you think there is any reason for me to get tested? I am suspecting that my present boyfriend could be infected from another relationship.

Counsellor, I am confused, please help me. I have heard that although one partner is infected the other partner doesn't have to be infected. In this case, my present boyfriend is infected, therefore, it is not a must that I am infected. In any case, I am felling very well, no signs of sickness.

Confused

Dear Confused,

Your girlfriend is right. you should get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Yes, it is a fact that there are many persons who have been exposed to HIV and don't get infected. Therefore, there is absolutely no guarantee that you are infected or not infected unless you get tested. Remember, you cannot tell by looking that a person is infected with HIV. The only way to be sure of your HIV status is to get tested.

In addition, there are many persons who are infected with HIV and look healthy and feel fine. These persons are still capable of infecting their sex partners.

My encouragement to you is that you try to see a knowledgeable HIV counsellor as soon as possible.

Dear Counsellor,

I am 17 years old. I have had sex only once, and that is about four days ago. I am now having smelly pus-like discharge from my penis. Is there anything I could buy over the counter for this

condition?

Junior

Dear Junior,

There is absolutely nothing I could recommend that you buy over the counter for the symptoms you are experiencing. My recommendation to you is that you go to a health- care provider either at a public or private clinic. If you got infected with a sexually transmitted infected and you are not treated properly, you could develop serious and permanent complications. Therefore, it is best for you to be properly diagnosed and be treated as necessary.

Remember that if you are sexually active, you should always use condoms to prevent infection with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Dear Counsellor,

I went to the doctor for my yearly check-up and to my surprise he told me I am infected with genital warts. I cannot believe this. I am a Christian for the past seven months and I have not had sex since I became a Christian. Could my doctor be wrong?

Born-again Christian

Dear Born-Again Christian,

It is very unlikely that your doctor made the wrong diagnosis. You must be aware that a person infected with genital warts may not have symptoms for a long time after infection. Therefore it is possible for you to be infected and shows no symptoms for as long as seven months or more. You may have been infected before you became a Christian and stopped having sex. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Your partner must also be checked for genital warts. I am suggesting also that you try to get all the information that you can on genital warts, and do not hesitate to question your doctor.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 1888-991-4444 (toll free).