Dear Counsellor:

My sister found out that she is HIV positive and she has been taking it very badly. She started drinking, smoking ganja and sleeping around with different men. She has not been home for the last three days. I am really upset because of the way she is behaving; she was always a very responsible person. What can I do to help her?

Frustrated Sister

Dear Frustrated Sister:

Some people who are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, react to shock by drinking heavily, taking drugs and having sex with lots of people. A few want to infect others so that they are not alone with their suffering. Some persons even give up trying to behave responsibly, while others use the test result as a motivation to sort out their lives.

You can help your sister by encouraging her to seek immediate counselling. Good counselling and support from her family and friends are likely to enable her to change her behaviour. She may come to realise that she is not only hurting others but herself also. Having sex with multiple persons could expose her to more HIV and she could become re-infected. I hope she will come to realise how dangerously she is now living.

Am I infected?

Dear Counsellor:

For some time now I have been having intense itching before my period. My tummy hurts badly during the period and after the period I also have a smelly discharge from my vagina. I wonder if that could be a disease. My boyfriend is very wild and I am tired of talking to him about his behaviour. Can you tell me what could be the cause of this?

Faithful Girlfriend

Dear Faithful Girlfriend:

From what you have been experiencing it is highly possible that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You need to visit a doctor immediately so that your condition can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Remember that if you use a condom every time you have sex your chances of getting a STI would be greatly reduced. However, if you continue to have sex without a condom knowing that your boyfriend is "wild" then one day you could become infected with HIV the virus that causes AIDS, or other STIs that cannot be cured such as herpes. You must start thinking seriously; use a condom every time you have sex.

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.