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What are the symptoms of HIV?

Dear Counsellor:

My boyfriend is infected with HIV. I want to continue to have sex with him but I'm afraid. He told me that it is safe to have sex with him because he is not having symptoms of any illness at all. I don't know If I should believe him. I want you to tell me if it is really true that only when a person is presenting symptoms they could infect another person. What are the symptoms I should look out for?

Julie

Dear Julie:

Many people who are infected with HIV the virus that causes AIDS have no symptoms at all, and may not know that they have the virus. There are no specific symptoms to look for. All persons with HIV infection, whether or not they have symptoms, can transmit HIV to others through sex (oral, anal and vaginal) or through their infected blood.

You must be sure to use a condom every time you have sex with your boyfriend because using a condom consistently will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected. You must be aware also that if you have sex with someone who is infected with HIV your risk of becoming infected is great.

Infected with Chlamydia and did not know?

Dear Counsellor:

I had a pain during sex and a white discharge from my vagina. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Chlamydia. This is difficult to believe because the last time I had sex was about three months ago. Could I have had Chlamydia for so long and not find out?

J.N.

Dear J.N.

Yes, you could be infected with Chlamydia and not know because most women do not know when they are infected with it. Sometimes it can cause an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis or cause pain during sex or burning during urination, but eight out of 10 women when infected with Chlamydia don't have visible symptoms. You should follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will reduce your chances of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.

Dear Counsellor:

I'm a teenage girl and I'm not ready to have sex as yet but I'm having sexual feelings. What should I do? Sometimes I feel left out because most of my friends are having sex. I even feel like being a virgin at my age is stupid.

Lonely

Dear Lonely:

Some people handle their sexual feelings easily, while others are frightened by them. Some people become sexually active earlier than others. As a teenager I think the best thing you can do is postpone sexual activity with another person for as long as possible. That way, you not only have a better chance of finding a lasting, loving relationship, but you won't have to worry about getting pregnant or catching sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS. Some people never have sex until they are married.

For more information on condom use HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affair, c/o the Star 7 North Street, Kingston.