The nature of the beast

So much misinformation on the nature of this deadly virus called HIV, is floating around. Some are still under the notion that it does not exist, some believe it does exist, but will never venture near them while some actually believe that they are resistant to it! As opinionated as some of these views may seem, i sometimes wonder if there is any iota of truth to them. If there is, i wonder why it has not been revealed to me. Some people are rather pessimistic and defeatist about this virus, believing that once one is infected, all hope will indeed be lost and one is to put his or her house in order, waiting for death.
The truth is that, the disease is very preventable and manageable. Risky sexual behaviour remains the highest mode of transmission for this virus. Abstinence from pre-marital sex, correct and consistent use of condom and fidelity to one uninfected partner, remains the best protection against HIV. When one is infected, the patient doesnt just die. Rather, the disease is progressive in nature, killing off the body's defence mechanisms until such a time that they are rendered powerless, and then AIDS sets in.
AIDS is another subject about which misconceptions flow around. This is no single disease, rather, it is the conglomeration of diseases affecting the now defenceless body. This is the final endpoint of the virus, HIV. When one is diagnosed of the virus, and adequate care, medication and healthy lifestyle is adherred to, the progression of the virus is slowed down significantly. Infact, the virus may never actually degenerate into full blown AIDS!
Remember, HIV is not a disease, rather, its a virus! We can help stop the spread by adopting rational and healthy and reasonable attitude towards sex and hygiene.

Counselling and HIV

Many people wonder what counselling really is, and how it affects the issue of HIV/AIDS. It has a lot to do with it, infact it is downright illegal to test someone without counselling! Yes, it is that important. Before one is tested, he has to be psychologically prepared for the outcome of the test. This is where counselling comes in. The client has to be adequately informed on the nature and consequences of the disease, and also, how it can be managed and controlled. The key weapon here, is the provision of information, so that the client can make informed decisions.
This information, encompasses the nature of the disease, mode of transmission, prevention, care/support and of course, treatment if neccessary. Only when this information is provided, can the client make a decision whether to be tested or not to be tested. Now, no matter the outcome of the test, another counselling session is called for. This is called the post test counselling. The direction of this session, will be determined by the result of the test. If the result is positive, the counsellor provides detailed information on services and healthcare available for the management of the disease. Despite this initial result, the client is advised to go for a confirmatory test, in order to eliminate error, both human and mechanical. The client is also introduced, by consent though, to various care and support groups.
If the result is negative, the client is advised to go for another test in three months time, incase the virus is still in its window period, but in the meanwhile, refrain from risky sexual behaviour. He is then counselled on preventive measures aimed at gaurding his status.
It is obvious with all these, that counselling plays a major role in the issue of this deadly virus. The clients are well informed on the disease, and are well prepared psychologically for whatever the outcome may be.