Dear Counsellor:
I am 17 and very confused. We are already in the festive season and already I have gone to a few parties with some friends.
While at one of these parties we met some older guys who offer us some stuff. At first I did not want to be a part of such things but I became convinced when they told me that the stuff could make me better at sex, give me a new vision and reason for living and help to make me more alert in solving all my problems. I later realised that what they were giving me was a mixture of hard drugs. Please help me. What if I give in?
Roy
Dear Roy:
Don't fall for one of those lame lines that drugs will solve all your problems, or make you better at sex or give you a new reason and vision for living. Drugs are no good under any circumstance. Taking drugs can cause you to get high and lose self-control. It is a great way to waste your time and eat up your money. It can make you an addict, land you straight into jail and keep you from your dreams. You can get HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, from sharing needles with someone who is infected. Also, when you do drugs or drink alcohol you don't think straight. You are tempted to take stupid chances, like having unsafe sex.
It is your choice to say, "no, thanks". If you think you need aids_affair further help see a counsellor immediately.
WORRIED OVER HIV STATUS
Dear Counsellor:
I was exposed to HIV. I had the test done and the result was negative. I am still very worried. Is the test always right?
Jerry
Dear Jerry
The HIV antibody test is very accurate. However, since you are still very worried, you should talk with the health care provider who sent you to do the test. You should explain as clearly as possible to your health care provider, your risk, so that you can be assessed properly. It is important for you to know that not all persons who are exposed to HIV will become infected. You may just be one of the lucky ones.
WHEN IS NIGHT FEVER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED?
Dear Counsellor:
Can night fever ever be considered a sexually trans-mitted infection? I am 35 and I have never had sex yet I keep getting night fever.
Marie
Dear Marie:
Herpes simplex 1, oral herpes, or night fever can only be considered sexually transmitted if it is acquired through oral-genital sex. Herpes simplex 1 virus from active mouth sores can spread to the vagina or penis (sex organs) during oral sex, similarly, active herpes simplex 2 virus can be spread from the sex organs to the mouth during oral sex.
Most cases of oral herpes are seen in young children. Children get this form of herpes from the active cold sores of adults and older children who care for or play with the youngsters. Direct contact, often momentary, such as a quick kiss, is all that is necessary to pass the virus. Most cases of oral herpes in adults are believed to be a reactivation of latent infections that were acquired in childhood.
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 AIDS Affairs c/o THE STAR, 7 North Street, Kingston. 
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