Dear Counsellor:
I heard that a rash is one sure sign that a person has AIDS. Can you tell me more about this rash?
Concerned
Dear Concerned:
Some people who are in the advance stage of HIV infection, the virus that causes AIDS, do have skin rashes. However, the disease does not affect every body in the same way. Not everyone living with AIDS get rashes.
There are many HIV-positive persons who have no symptoms at all. They themselves might not even be aware that they are infected. Therefore, since you cannot really tell by looking at a person, it is better to protect yourself the only way you can.
You either abstain from having sex or have sex with only one partner who, you know, is not infected, or use a condom every time you have sex.
WARTS ON GENITALS
Dear Counsellor:
I notice some warts on my penis. My girlfriend and I were thinking that these warts could be as a result of the brand of condom that I used during sex.
Tell me can condoms give you warts?
Worried Lover
Dear Worried Lover:
On the contrary, it is because you do not use the condoms correctly why you have warts.
Warts are caused by a virus known as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted by an infected person to his or her partner during sexual intercourse.
It is very important that you visit a doctor immediately so that you can be assessed and treated. It is important that your girlfriend visits the doctor as well because she too could be infected.
STILL A VIRGIN
Dear Counsellor:
I have chosen to avoid having sex, as I am 18 years old and do not feel that I am ready. My friends keep teasing me.
They say that I don't know what I'm missing. Sometimes I feel lonely and left out as if I am not in this world. Do you think I have made the right decision?
Joan
Dear Joan:
Congratulations on your decision to abstain from sex at this age. Most young people should walk in your footsteps. Your so-called 'friends' will lead you astray. It would be wise to join some youth club or engage in voluntary activities that would be fulfilling to you and at the same time find a new set of young people who have similar interests as you and not being preoccupied with sex.
Never feel pressured to have sex. It is safer to wait until you are mature enough that is emotionally, socially and financially ready. You could also get pregnant, and contract sexually transmitted infections that could permanently damage you or kill you.
For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infection, 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.
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to 
