Living with Hiv and aids

HIV/AIDS affects largely young men and women (of reproductive age) and children.
Unfortunately ,women who are infected with HIV often have additional pressures in that they often have young children (who may also be infected).The purpose of this page is to provide some useful, basic information and advice to individuals infected with HIV.We cover areas of common concern such as pregnancy,sex after an HIV positive diagnosis, and support.

We also provide strategies on how to manage living with HIV.There has been a significant increase in HIV awareness the world over.However, in many cases,attitudes to those infected with HIV have not changed.For women living with HIV in particular ,this can often mean feeling stigmatised and isolated.It is hoped ,this site will provide useful, basic information in an accessible way and direct people living with HIV to where they can get support and encouragement.

Basic information on HIV/ AIDS What is HIV?

HIV or human immune deficiency is a virus that attacks the body's immune system.
The immune system is the body natural defence mechanism which enables the body to fight against disease. HIV attacks the body 's immune system until it can no longer fight disease effectively.

What is AIDS?

A person is said to have AIDS or Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome when he or she has one or more infections that have attacked the body's immune system by HIV .Aids is now more commonly referred to as advanced HIV .

How can one become infected with HIV?

The HIV virus is found in a number of bodily fluids such as blood,breast milk,semen and vaginal secretions. A person can become infected if there is an exchange of these fluids with a person who has the HIV virus.

A person can become infected with with HIV in four ways!

* Through unprotected penetrative sex (anal or vaginal) with a person infected with HIV (unprotected sex means that you have not used a condom ...male or female)

*Through sharing of injecting equipment that has not been sterilised.

*Through a blood transfusion with HIV infected blood (infection in this way is minimal since Zimbabwe has screened all blood products for HIV since 1985.In fact Zimbabwe was the third country to do so in the whole world after United States and Germany!).

*a women infected with HIV can pass it on to her child either during the pregnancy or during birth or through breast feeding.

HIV testing

HIV testing is done on a voluntary basis.This means that you decide whether or not you want the test.If you are not sure,you can ask to speak to counsellors at clinics or hospitals who can discuss it with you.The tests mainly involve a small blood sample.

This is commonly known as the antibody test. When infected with HIV,the body produces chemical substances to fight off infection.The test detects the presence of antibodies.If they are present in a blood sample,then a person is infected with HIV.The antibody test detects the HIV virus only in the blood after a period of three months or more after infection.If you have put yourself at risk within that three month period,you may have a negative test result.This is called the window period.Another test for HIV is the viral load test.This test detects the amount of HIV present in the blood.

Living Positive!

Finding out that you are HIV positive is a difficult thing to deal with.Many people only find out they are HIV positive either when they become ill or someone else whom they have been seeing becomes ill.Very often this means disregarding their own health needs.Many people are fearful and overwhelmed by the long term consequences of being infected with HIV.Who to tell and who not to tell is also something many worry about.Women in particular often feel guilty and blame themselves for infecting their children.It is important to know that there are places you can go and speak to others in similar situations.There are also trained counsellors who have a lot of experience working with infected people.Talking about a problem can help to ease the burden of worry and isolation.It can also help to provide information and solutions to the problem.

Pregnancy & Children

Women often ask if they can have children if they are HIV positive.It is possible for HIV positive women to have perfectly healthy children.There are a number of precautions that women can take so that they do not pass the virus onto their children.

These are:

~Taking anti-HIV medicine to reduce the viral load. ~Having the baby by caesarean section to reduce contact with blood.(A caesarean is an operation to remove the baby instead of having it naturally. ~By bottle feeding your baby instead of breast feeding. ~You should,if possible talk about the options to your doctor or health adviser so that you can make the best decisions for you.They can also give you advise on the best way to get pregnant without infecting or reinfecting your partner or yourself.

Breast Feeding

Doctors and other health professionals advise that breast feeding is the healthiest form of nutrition for young babies.However,an HIV positive mother greatly increases the chance of passing on the HIV virus to her child if she does breast feed.In these circumstances,doctors advise alternative forms of feeding such as bottle feeding.Many women feel bad that they cannot breast feed their children.In addition,knowledge of how people become infected with HIV is high in some African communities.Women often feel that people will know they are HIV positive if they are not breast feeding.Women who find themselves in this situation should know that there are many reasons why breast feeding is not always possible.Some babies find it difficult to feed from the breast nipple.Often,mothers do not produce enough milk to satisfy their babies.Perhaps your nipples are sore and cracked as a result of breast feeding and you are on medication to treat it.You can give any one of these reasons to explain why you are not breast feeding.

Children

The most difficult thing to deal is the fact of leaving behind young children.There is worry about what will happen.Many people who are living with HIV also have young children,some of who are also infected with HIV.For many people,this is one of the most challenging aspects of living with HIV.Whether or not to tell your children of your HIV status,how to plan their future,what will happen to them if you become ill and how it will affect them.These are some of the questions people living with HIV constantly openly about their HIV status and to make plans for the future together.
Others find it too painful and are not able to talk to their children. If you decide to tell your children but are not sure how to do it,ask for help from clinics or please contact this site.Choose a suitable link on our contact us page.We have psychotherapists and psychologists in our team!

HIV Positive Children

Some children are also infected with HIV themselves.This can sometimes add to the strain especially if they get ill.People living with HIV often feel they have no option but to cope with pressures of this kind,often putting their own health at risk.It is important to seek help if you feel you cannot cope.There are now a number of organisations which can assist on this regard.If you are uncertain about the medical treatment of your children,talk to the doctor and nurses.

Sex

Many people often feel that they cannot continue to have sex if they are HIV positive.
Sometimes it is because they worry about infecting their partners.Others experience mixed feelings about their bodies and their sexuality.These feelings are natural reactions.These feelings are natural reactions.However these feelings about sex many change over time depending on personal circumstances and how they feel in their own mind about it. Being HIV positive does not mean that you can no longer have sex.As with everyone else,you must practice safer sex.This means that you must use condoms or femidoms.Even if you and your partner are both HIV positive,you should continue to practice safer sex so that you reduce the chances of reinfecting one another with HIV.It may also be an opportunity to discover new ways to give one another pleasure.

Societal Pressures

Many people are rejected and abandoned by loved ones such as partners,relatives and friends.They are often left with the burden of caring for children who many also be ill. Our communities seem to take a dim view of people who are infected with HIV,often blaming them for being infected and very little sympathy or understanding for their situation. It is important for people living in situations such as these,to understand that you are not alone and that you can get help.There is no reason for you to be abandoned,isolated and even persecuted for being HIV positive!

CARING FOR YOUR HEALTH

This is probably the one thing that most people neglect.Many of us have been brought up to care for others and we therefore do not consider our own needs important.Yet , this aspect is especially important as it helps to slow the progression of HIV.Things such as rest and proper diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system. It may seem very difficult at first to find sometime to yourself and reinfect on your own needs.Keep trying.It is very beneficial to your health and well being.There are plenty of relaxation exercises available. Remember that your health is important and that you deserve your care just as much as everyone else.

Health Checks & Monitoring

Regular health checks at the HIV clinic are vital for a number of reasons.They help to monitor the progression of HIV.Also,any infections or problems with your treatment can be discussed and alternatives found.Even if you are HIV positive and asymptomatic
(that is you do not have any HIV related infections or illness),you should still go for these health checks.Specially trained HIV doctors,nurses and health advisers can answer your questions and give advice.

Diet

Again,many people often neglect their own dietary needs.Yet in order to maintain good health,you have to eat proper,nutritious meals.The African diet is a source of many nutritious fruit and vegetables.Try to eat a balanced diet.You can ask a dietitian at the HIV clinic to help plan meals that contain the nutrients you require. Also remember that the preparation of food is very important so that you can reduce the likelihood of food poisoning or any other bacteria that can weaken your immune system.Follow basic safety procedures such as washing of hands before preparing food,washing all fruit and vegetables,and storing cooked food safely(in the refrigerator).

A Word About Treatments

There is no known cure for HIV.However,the last two years have seen huge advancements in the medical treatment and care of people with HIV.Many people living with the virus can now expect to live longer and have an improved quality of life with these new treatments.These treatments nevertheless need careful monitoring .The best place to get guidance on treatments and medication is your doctors and advisers at the HIV clinics. Many people also use remedies from different sources such as traditional healers,alternative herbal medicines and so on.Inform your doctor of them so that they can give you the support you need.Some women have found these treatments very helpful.Always try to get these medicines from reputable practitioners. The earlier you seek advice,the better it is for you.You need not commit yourself to anything that you are not sure of.However,it is best to seek as much information so that you make informed choices.