Dear Counsellor:

My girlfriend may be exposed to HIV because it is rumoured that her ex-boyfriend died of AIDS. We are planning to get tested although we have strong doubts that either of us are infected. Please advise us.

Curious

Dear Curious:

AIDS Affairs is sorry to hear that you and your girlfriend may be exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It is important for you to know that not everyone who is exposed to HIV becomes infected. Equally important is the fact that you cannot tell by just looking, if a person is infected with HIV because HIV does not have any specific symptoms. HIV cannot be identified by the way a person look or feel.

Therefore, it is very important that all persons who may be exposed to HIV get tested. Both you and your girlfriend should seek counselling from a HIV knowledgeable counsellor as soon as possible. The earlier you know your HIV status the better you will feel. In the meantime, you should practice safer sex by using a condom every time you have sex.

Gonorrhoea

Dear Counsellor:

I had a terrible itching and discharge from my vagina. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with gonorrhoea. Do I need to tell my boyfriend?

Girlfriend

Dear Girlfriend:

Yes, you need to tell your boyfriend and anyone else you have had sex with so that they too, can be treated. If you are treated, and your boyfriend is infected and not treated, and you continue to have sex with him then you could become re-infected. You must be aware that gonorrhoea is a serious sexually transmitted infection. If gonorrhoea is left untreated it can cause serious problem to your reproductive organs. Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex, you will greatly reduce your chance of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

The longest eight weeks

Dear Counsellor:

How soon after an exposure to HIV should I get tested?

J.R.

Dear J.R.:

The HIV test can be done eight weeks after you have been exposed. It is always important for you to see a counsellor before you get tested so that you can be adequately prepared for the result of the test. Research has shown that persons who are counselled before and after the test, live longer and healthier than those persons who receive no counselling.

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 Affair c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.