Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - December 1, 2004

What is an HIV/Aids test?

It's a blood test to determine if you have HIV, the virus that causes Aids. A health worker takes some of your blood, which is tested to see if it contains HIV antibodies. If it does, the virus is present in your body. A blood test is the only way to be sure about your HIV status. It's important to see a counsellor before and after the test - it's your right.

Eish, I'm scared to go. What if anyone finds out?

No one can force you to go for a test. The results may only be revealed to you personally.

What does it mean to know my status?

It means you know whether or not you have the virus. If you have the virus, you are HIV-positive.

I'm too scared to find out if I'm HIV-positive or not

It's scary to get news you don't want to hear, but knowing for sure is the first step in dealing with being HIV-positive. A counsellor can help you prepare for the test and talk to you about your results. If it turns out you are HIV-positive, you'll at first have feelings like fear, anger and helplessness. But by talking to someone you trust, you can learn to accept your condition.

If you're worried that you're HIV-positive, a test is the only way to put your mind at rest. After the initial shock, many infected people feel motivated to live full and active lives. You can be HIV-positive - and happy.

Why do I need to know my HIV status? There's nothing I can do

That's not true! There's a lot you can do:

If you're negative, you can STAY NEGATIVE by always protecting yourself (use a condom).

If you're HIV-positive, you MUST ALWAYS use a condom to protect your partner from infection, and yourself from repeat infections which could hasten the onset of Aids.

You can take measures to boost your immune system, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and having early treatment for secondary infections.

Although there is no cure for HIV/Aids, drugs to treat Aids are becoming more readily available and can enable HIV-positive individuals to live normal, active lives for many years.

I'm HIV-positive - I may as well commit suicide!

The news that you're HIV-positive can be hard to deal with, especially if you're scared to tell your friends and family. You might feel very lonely. Luckily, there are people who are trained to understand and help you. If you don't have anyone to talk to, speak to a counsellor, join a support group or call thethajunction.

There are many HIV-positive people who do exciting things and make the most of their lives. And there are people who care and can offer support and info. Don't give up on yourself!

What does it mean to Live Positively?

You can live with HIV for a long time without getting sick. This is called Living Positively. Here are some ideas:

Eat a balanced diet of protein (meat, fish, eggs, nuts), carbohydrates (pap, potatoes, rice, bread), vegetables and fruit.

Care for your feelings. If you feel scared or depressed, talk to someone. Don't keep it inside and turn it into stress. Stress will make you sick.

Support your immune system. Avoid alcohol, smoking, stress and people who have flu, colds or other infectious diseases - including sexually transmitted infections.

Get medical care. Have regular check-ups and t reat any illness immediately.

Practise safe sex. Don't weaken your body by getting more infections, including HIV, from your sex partners.

Love life and make the most of it, whether you're HIV-positive or not. Find out what makes you happy and peaceful.

Tips for testing:

An HIV-antibody test is the only way to tell whether you are infected with the HI virus, which causes Aids.

When a virus enters your body, your immune system produces antibodies to fight that virus. So when you have HIV, your body makes antibodies to fight HIV. It's these antibodies that the test looks for.

It can take up to six months after infection for the antibodies to become traceable. This is called the "window period"; a time in which it's hard to know for sure if you're infected.

You can only be sure of your status if you test again six months after you've were exposed.

It's easy to find a facility that provides HIV testing and counselling. A good place to start is your local clinic. Hospitals are busy places, with long queues and emergencies to deal with, so don't start there.

If your local clinic doesn't provide testing, ask to be referred to one that does.

The Aids Training, Information and Counselling Centre (ATTIC) has sites all over the country that provide testing and counselling. These folk are helpful and friendly (no funny looks or judgement calls ), so find out if there's one in your area.

For more info on other testing facilities in your area, contact the counsellors at thethajunction on 0800 121 900.

Doing the deed

Public clinics and hospitals provide free HIV testing, but you can go to a private doctor or clinic (where you'll have to pay). Here's how it will go:

1. You'll be called in to see a doctor, nurse or counsellor. They'll ask questions so they can advise you.

2. Next you'll get the 411 about HIV and the test. Ask questions!

3. There are two kinds of tests. In one, a blood sample is taken and sent to a lab for analysis and you get the result in a week's time. In the Rapid Test, blood is taken from a prick on your thumb and a result is available in 15 minutes.

4. Your counsellor will tell you your result. If you're negative, you may be asked to come back in six months in case you're in a "window period".

5. If you test positive, it's a good idea to get more counselling as you may not be able to take it all in and you may be in a state of shock.

Positively positive

Sister Pretty Mothiba, a counsellor at the loveLife Y-Centre in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, says people who are getting tested have to be educated about HIV to prepare them for the outcome.

People react differently to being told they're HIV-positive. Some are angry, while others feel betrayed or sad. And their community, partners and families don't always accept them. They are also sometimes discriminated against when they apply for jobs, housing loans or insurance.

But it's up to you whether you want to disclose your status, and who you want to tell. You will need support, so telling your partner and those closest to you is a good idea.

Counsellors can help you cope and help you make the best choices for your future. Meeting with others living with HIV is a good way of getting support. Being HIV-positive doesn't mean you're going to die right away!

Good and bad

Like most things in life, an HIV test can have its ups and downs.

The mind-easers

You'll know for sure, one way or the other;

You'll be more careful about not infecting people you care about;

You can get psychological support;

You can plan your future;

Health workers can treat you;

If you can afford it, you can get antiretroviral treatment;

If you're pregnant, the risk of your baby being infected can be reduced by taking antiretrovirals; and

If you're HIV-negative, you can take extra care to stay negative.

The mind-teasers

Finding out you're HIV-positive, or that you have any other life-threatening condition, is hectic! You're going to have to consider whether you'd tell your partner and your family - some HIV-positive peeps' families and friends don't want anything to do with them!

Rights and wrong

Like everyone else, people living with HIV/Aids have rights - and it's important to know what they are.

A person living with HIV/Aids has the same rights as anyone else in terms of the equality clause of the SA Constitution;

It's up to you whether you want to disclose your status or not, but telling those closest to you is a good idea;

If someone has sex with you without telling you they're HIV-positive, or doesn't practise safe sex and infects you with HIV, that person can be charged with attempted murder or culpable homicide;

Health workers may not refuse to treat an HIV-positive person, or lower their quality of care;

You don't have to tell your school principal you are HIV-positive; but if you are sick you might not be able to go to school;

You don't have to tell your employer you're HIV-positive unless you pose a health threat to other employees;

You can't be fired from your job solely because you're HIV-positive; and

No one can force you to have an HIV test.

A good minus

This is probably one of the few times a big fat NO would make you happy. Keep it that way!

Protect yourself. Use a condom and find other ways to get sexy without having penetrative sex.

You're young! You can wait a while. Sex ain't going nowhere!

Stick to one partner. Having more than one puts you at major risk.

A plus that sucks

If you are positive, there are ways to stay healthier for longer:

Have regular check-ups, even if you don't feel sick. A doctor who knows you and your status can look after your health better;

Get tested for tuberculosis . You can get very sick if TB goes unnoticed, but it can be treated successfully if diagnosed early;

Ask your doctor if you should get vaccines for flu or other diseases;

Get off drugs, alcohol and cigarettes;

Eat healthy and exercise regularly; and

Join one of the many support groups for people living with HIV/Aids.

Yes, no, maybe

So now you've gone through all the rigmarole, here's what the results mean.

If it's HIV-negative, you don't have HIV. Hey, you can breathe now. But sometimes the result is negative, even though you have HIV. This happens during the "window period", before antibodies are detectable in your blood.

If you may have been infected in the last three to six months, get re-tested in six months' time.

If you're HIV-positive, you have HIV. Be strong. Usually a second test is performed to confirm the result.

If you are HIV-positive

Tell your partner about your status - it's the right thing to do;

Always have safe sex - find ways of getting a sexual thrill without penetration (there are many!) or wait till you're older;

Don't donate blood, organs, sperm etc;

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you're infected; and

If you get hurt and bleed, don't let anyone help you without wearing gloves.

Aids treatment

Antiretroviral drugs which delay the onset of full-blown Aids are becoming increasingly available. These drugs are not a cure but can improve the quality of health of HIV-positive people. But even with access to antiretrovirals, your expected lifespan will be drastically reduced. It is important to continue using a condom even if you're taking antiretrovirals.

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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