Dear Counsellor:

I met this really nice looking tourist while on vacation on the north coast. He was well built and looking healthy because he lifted weights and jogged everyday. We had dinner a couple of times and then he invited me to his room one night. To tell you the truth, this man really looked good. I got out of control and threw caution to the wind. We made love only once. Should I be concerned about AIDS?

Out of control

Dear Out of Control:

You should be concerned if no condom was used in the sexual encounter you had with the tourist. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, makes no special selection. It is impossible to tell if someone has AIDS by just looking at them. Although this gentleman looked healthy he could be carrying HIV.

You should consider doing the HIV-antibody test since this is the only way you can know your HIV status. Remember that if you are to prevent infection, from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections you must use a condom every time you have sex or have sex with only one partner who you know is faithful and uninfected.

Can a mosquito infect someone with HIV?

Dear Counsellor:

There is something that has been bothering me for some time now. It has to do with mosquito and HIV. I know you must be tired of answering this question but I never actually read your response. I only hear from other persons. Tell me so that I can read it myself. Can a mosquito bite/suck blood from an HIV-infected person and infect another person? I am worried because I live in the Portmore area which we could name it the mosquito capital of the world.

Worried

Dear Worried:

You cannot get HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, from a mosquito. Research has shown that HIV does not multiply in mosquito cells. nor does it pass from the gut to the salivary glands. This makes it impossible for HIV to be injected into another person through the mosquito's saliva. When a mosquito bites you, it does not inject blood into your body, it sucks blood from you.

HIV is transmitted through infected blood, vaginal fluids and semen. Sexual intercourse is the most common mode of transmission. Therefore, you must take every step to protect yourself and remember only you can protect you.

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

1888-9914444 or write to AIDS Affair c/o The Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.