The Jamaica Star :: Health :: AIDS school

Dear Counsellor:

My child has been attending a new school since January, and I have some concerns because I heard that that school is known to take in HIV-positive students. Tell me, should I allow my child to stay at that school?

Worried Parent

Dear Worried Parent:

Yes, you should allow your child to stay at that school because children infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or with AIDS do not place their classmates or other students at risk of the infection. HIV is not transmitted by hugging, touching, sharing school supplies, classroom utensils, water fountain, toilets or any other type of casual contact.

HIV at 23

Dear Counsellor:

I'm 23 years old and was recently diagnosed with HIV, how will it affect my life?

Young Girl

Dear Young Girl:

If you have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and you are living healthily with the virus, you can continue to live a normal life. However, there are a few minor changes you will need to make; for example, it may be necessary for you to visit an HIV-knowledgeable health care provider and counsellor. In that way, the physician will monitor your overall health status and the counsellor will help to address any psychosocial needs you may have. You will also need to begin to practise safer sex by using a condom every time you have sex. If you use a condom every time you have sex, you will avoid getting more HIV into the body because this is likely to hasten the progression to AIDS. Using a condom will also prevent infection with other sexually transmitted infections. It is also important to develop a positive attitude.

Do i have it?

Dear Counsellor:

Early last week I had a complete medical examination. I had blood tests, urine tests all sorts of test, and my doctor said it was an executive profile. I went back to the doctor on Monday of this week and he said that I'm in good health. Does that mean that I don't have HIV?

Clean Bill of Health

Dear Clean Bill of Health:

Doctors do not routinely test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You should not assume that your blood was tested for HIV. The HIV test is not usually done without the patient's knowledge and consent. If you are concerned, ask your doctor to be a little more specific as to what tests were done.

Positive neice

Dear Counsellor:

My niece is HIV infected and I have to take care of her because her parents are dead, they both had AIDS. She is very healthy. She has started school in my area since September 2007 and my husband is insisting that I should tell her teacher. Should I really tell her teacher? Does she pose a risk to other children?

Concerned Aunt

Dear Concerned Aunt:

Your niece poses no risk to other children and she can enjoy playing with other children at school. You are not obliged to tell anyone at school of her HIV status, but you may choose to do so by letting a trusted adult know the situation if it will help your niece.

Watery discharge

Dear Counsellor:

I'm constantly having a watery discharge from my vagina and sometimes itching, too. Can you tell me if that is a sexually transmitted infection?

Worried Writer

Dear Worried Writer:

It is difficult to tell you whether or not you are infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but what you are experiencing is not normal. You should try to see a doctor/health care provider as soon as possible. If you are sexually active, you should stop having sex until you get rid of those symptoms you are experiencing. Be sure to discuss your sexual health with your sex partner so that if necessary, both of you can be treated.

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