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How is HIV spread?
In Jamaica, it is mainly sexually transmitted. i.e. by having unprotected sex with someone who is positive |
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What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a virus that breaks down the white blood cells that protect the body from illness |
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What are the symptoms?
There are no symptoms with HIV |
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If I test positive today, how long will I live?
If you eat and exercise well and don't smoke or drink in excess, and have emotional support you can live for a very long time. What it does depend on though is how good your immune system is when you become infected and how well you look after yourself. |
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Who is most at risk of contracting HIV?
Anyone who has unprotected sex without knowing the status of their partner |
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How do I get a test done?
You can go to your private doctor, to your local health clinic or come to any of the JAS offices. Make sure you ask for counselling. |
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I just did a pap smear, will that show if I'm positive?
No, that test is looking for possible cancer cells. You must do a blood test for HIV |
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I just did blood tests with my doctor and they all came back negative, so does that mean that I'm okay and don't have the virus?
You must ask your doctor what they tested you for and be sure that you understand, only a test for HIV will tell you whether or not you have HIV |
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What should I do, and where would I go if I test positive?
You need to get counselling and information on HIV/AIDS. You can get this from JAS or from the agencies listed |
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Where did HIV start?
We don't have an answer for that |
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Is there a cure for AIDS?
There are drugs available called anti-retrovirals, which break down the virus in the body and allow the immune system to build back up |
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What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and it means that the immune system (constitution) has broken down and that the person is symptomatic and has several of the illnesses associated with AIDS e.g. extreme weight loss, skin conditions, hair change, constant diarrhoea, chest infections and/or other illnesses |
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Is there a place you can go and live if you find out you have AIDS?
There are some places that will take people who are in the final stages of AIDS (see residential facilities for people with AIDS) but the best place to be is home |
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How can I protect myself?
Have one faithful partner who is also faithful to you, abstain from sex (that means don't have sex), use a condom every time you have sex |
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I just tested positive, will I get spots on my skin, will I mawgre down?
It depends on how long you have been positive for. Most people are positive for as many as ten years before showing these symptoms and even then not everyone has the same symptons |
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Can I pass it on to my family and friends?
No you cannot. You can use the same plates, cutlery, share the same bed and use the same bathroom. You must however use a condom every time that you have sex with your partner |
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Will people be able to look at me and know that I have the virus?
No they will not. People who have the virus continue to look the same as before for many years, in-fact, until they have full blown AIDS |
