Wendel Abel
ANDY IS age 23, he just tested positive for AIDS. That day when Andy went to see his doctor, many thoughts raced through his head. He was devastated. He fired many questions at his doctor; "Am I going to die? Can I be cured? Will I be able to afford the drugs in Jamaica?"
If your HIV-test is positive, this is no longer a death sentence. Many persons who have been tested positive may live a long and productive life with proper care and attention. Here are some important points on the disease:
Seek early medical care: Early and effective care will delay the onset of AIDS and prevent any life-threatening illness.
Avoid smoking ganja, using cocaine or drinking alcoholic drinks: Drugs and alcohol will weaken the immune system and make control of your disease more difficult.
Pursue a healthy lifestyle: Ensure that you have adequate sleep and exercise. Research has shown that these enhance your quality of life and help to strengthen your immune system.
Be responsible about sex: If you are sexually active, be as truthful and honest as possible to your partner. Always practice safe sex. Stick to one committed partner.
Is there a cure for AIDS? If you are tested positive for the virus you will always carry the virus in your blood. There is no cure for AIDS but with adequate care you may be prevented from developing AIDS or any other life-threatening infection that is associated with the condition.
Do I have to be taking many drugs? No. The treatment of AIDS has become much simpler and there are many combinations of drugs available. Many persons only take three tablets per day.
What is combination therapy? Effective treatment of AIDS means that an individual has to take several drugs at a time. This is called combination therapy. The term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is used to describe the combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs.
I hear these tablets have many side effects? This is not the case anymore. Most drugs are easily tolerated by most individuals and these drugs are not associated with many side effects. Discuss this with your doctor.
Are these drugs available in Jamaica? The drugs used to treat AIDS are called antiretroviral. Fortunately, most of these drugs are now available in Jamaica.
Are these drugs expensive? Many of these drugs are now affordable. In fact, there is a special programme in place in which the Ministry of Health makes these drugs available for most persons free of cost or at an affordable cost.
Do these drugs cure the disease? There is no cure for AIDS. The drugs will reduce the level of virus in your body and therefore prevent the virus from destroying your immune system. Many persons who take these drugs continue to live long, healthy and productive lives.
What should I do if I suspect that I am HIV positive? See your doctor immediately and if your doctor is not comfortable with starting treatment, let your doctor refer you to another doctor who is competent in treating the disorder.
Develop a positive and responsible attitude: Remember AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Most persons who die these days do so either out of ignorance or because they have given up. Remember you can live a long, healthy and productive life. You must however take responsibility for your illness. Comply with your treatment and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Join a support group: You do not have to suffer in silence. A lot of persons are ashamed to let others know that they are HIV positive but it is better to join a support group that will provide emotional support and information in order to help you live a healthy and long life.
Break the silence. Take responsibility for your lives. AIDS is no longer a death sentence.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies,; phone: 922-3216; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
