Top 

 1) What is HIV? What is AIDS?

HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus) is a virus that destroys the human immune system. Immunity gradually reduces over a period of time and, when it gets affected below a certain level, several infections can attack such a person. These are called Opportunistic Infections. This stage is called AIDS. A person with HIV cannot always be said to be suffering from AIDS.

2) Do I have AIDS? 

One can’t say that a person has AIDS by looking at him. It is possible to detect this only through a specific blood test.

 3) What is the test to be done to know if I am HIV infected?

You can take the Rapid test, which is done at a very nominal cost. 2 ml of your blood will be drawn for doing the test. Results are provided on the same day as the blood test.

 4) What is meant by ‘Window Period’?

Once the HIV virus enters our body, our body takes anywhere between 3 to 12 weeks to produce antibodies to HIV. Therefore, any blood test done during this period will not be able to confirm HIV infection, even though HIV has entered the body. This period is known as the ‘Window Period’.

 5) Is there no medicine to cure AIDS?

So far, there is no medicine available to completely cure AIDS. However, every Opportunistic Infection (OI) such as TB or Pneumonia is curable through appropriate treatment available free of cost at Govt. hospitals.

 6) What is an Opportunistic Infection?

Once HIV virus enters the human body, a person’s immunity starts reducing gradually. It varies from person to person. For some, it may take five years to develop OIs and for others it may even take ten years. As immunity decreases, diseases like diarrhoea, tuberculosis, skin diseases and weight loss may occur. These diseases are called Opportunistic Infections.

 7) How long will I live if I have AIDS?

Medicines are available to control the replication of the HIV virus. Besides, medicines are available for treating all Opportunistic Infections (e.g. Tuberculosis, Pneumonia etc.,) arising out of this immuno-compromised state. One has chances for prolonging one’s life by taking a balanced diet, maintaining a clean environment, handling stress appropriately and by practicing safe sex. It is difficult to state a specific life span, even for people without HIV.

 8) Is AIDS a life threatening disease?

AIDS is a chronic manageable condition. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Infection is the first stage. HIV slowly reduces the immune system. One can lead a qualitative life if one adheres to the following: hygienic atmosphere, safe sex, and prompt treatment of any infections. If the immune system breaks down further, Opportunistic Infections can occur in the person; for example - Tuberculosis, Pneumonia and Diarrhoea. These can be cured through proper medication. There are also medicines (anti-retroviral therapy) to control the replication of the virus.

 9) Is there a medicine for AIDS?

Medicines (anti-retroviral therapy) are available to control the replication of the HIV virus within the body. Once initiated, it has to be continued throughout one’s life. There is no medicine to cure AIDS. However, serious research continues all around the world. Hence, there is hope that some medicine will be available soon.

 10) Can AIDS be cured through Tamil medicines?

No, it has not been scientifically proven that AIDS can be cured through Tamil medicines. There is no authentic data available. However, there are medicines (anti-retroviral therapy) to control the replication of the virus.

Top 

1). Do sexually transmitted infections mean V.D. or is it different

Yes, V.D. is known as a Sexually Transmitted Infection,however there are different kinds of Sexually Transmitted Infections as well.

 2) If I have white discharge, will I be infected with HIV?

White discharge doesn't mean that you are necessarily infected with HIV; it can be due to an STI. You need to take a medical opinion and if it is found to be an STI, you will need to take treatment. Completing treatment is critical so that the STI does not recur. Exposure to STIs however increases the risk of HIV transmission. Using condoms is a good protection.

 3) If I am suffering with an STI, will I get ulcers?

STIs have a variety of symptoms. One among them is ulcer. Besides, any one symptom such as penile discharge, painless chancres, and swollen lymph nodes, warts may also be present. According to medical experts, there are 30 varieties of STIs.

 4) Do the presence of any symptom of an STI represent AIDS?

AIDS and STIs are different. Further, if you have symptoms such as penile discharge, painless chancres, and swollen lymph nodes, warts after unprotected sexual intercourse, they may be STIs. It would be wise to go to a doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Exposure to STIs however increases the risk of HIV transmission.

 5) Is it true that an advanced stage of STI turns into AIDS over a period of time?

That is wrong information. Whatever is the duration, either acute or chronic, STI remains so and cannot change into AIDS. Both are different diseases. Having an STI increases the risk of transmission of HIV.

 6) What is the difference between AIDS and STIs?

STIs spread only through unprotected sex. The symptoms for STIs make their appearance immediately. Depending on the severity of the virus, some symptoms may appear in a day or two, while, other symptoms appear even after 30 days. It depends on the characteristics of the infectious agents. However, all STIs (other than Herpes) are curable at any stage.

AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection. Once the HIV virus enters the human system, symptoms may not be seen. It can be detected only through a blood test. So far, there is no medicine available to completely cure HIV. There are methods to control it. In the case of HIV infection, medicines are available to control the replication of the HIV virus. This is the difference.

 7) Are STIs curable?

Most STIs are curable, with the exception of a few like Herpes. However, if STIs are left untreated because of hesitation to come forward to take treatment or any other reason, over a period of time, they may affect the brain, nervous system, heart and eye and lead to dysfunction. Impotency may also result. It may affect the foetus if the mother is infected during pregnancy.

 8) Can an STI be cured with a single injection?

One needs to complete the full course of medication according to the doctor’s instructions. Even if the ulcer gets cured, it should not be stopped abruptly. Sudden stoppage leads to recurrence of ulcer or results in other adverse consequences after a few days. It is better to take treatment along with your wife if you are married or with your sexual partner if unmarried.

 9) Will HIV cause ulcers in genitals?

No, HIV alone cannot cause ulcer. There are chances of ulcers in the genitalia if one is infected with STIs.

 Top 

1) What is the benefit of using condom?

It is a very good protection against unwanted pregnancy and preventing transmission of STIs and HIV infection from those who are infected.

 2) Does use of condoms cause genital ulcer?

Condom use does not cause genital ulcers; rather they protect against infections. Condoms cover the genital area completely thereby preventing exchange of infected body fluids.

3) Do condoms sometimes tear?

There are chances that condoms may tear due to improper use, use after the date of expiry and exposure to sharp objects (nails, teeth), use of other lubricants like oil, not expelling air collected in the teat of the condom. All condoms pass through stringent quality checks and are only then distributed in the open market.

4) Will I get AIDS if I use two condoms?

Proper use of one condom is enough. Use it before the date of expiry. Avoid contact with sharp objects such as nails and teeth, because then the condom may tear. Press the condom with two fingers and roll the condom on with two fingers alone, failing which the lubrication will be reduced. Ensure that the condom covers the whole penis. If a condom is used in the above said method, safety is ensured.

5) Do I need to use condoms while having sex with my wife?

It is better to use condom if you or your wife have STIs or HIV. It is also a useful family planning method.

6) Is it necessary to use condom while having sex with other HIV infected women?

Yes, it is important to use condoms for the following :

to prevent transmission of virus

to prevent acquiring STIs, and

to prevent increase in HIV viral load both ways.

Also, in this way, one can prevent one’s partner from getting infected.

7) Why should two positive people use a condom during intercourse?

Condoms are extremely important from the point of view of avoiding re-infection for both partners. If condoms are not used, the viral load will increase for both persons and destroy the immune system more quickly. Condoms are extremely essential in this case.

 8) Will there be side effects due to use of condoms?

  There are absolutely no side-effects due to use of condoms. On the other hand, condoms are safe and provide good protection from infections.

Top 

1) Will one’s face become black or dark if one gets AIDS?

Face will not necessarily become dark or black if one gets AIDS. But it may become dark or black due to skin related opportunistic infections. One needs medical treatment for this.

2) Will I become thin if I get AIDS?

HIV slowly reduces the human body’s immune system. It is better for you to have control over protecting your immune system. Loss of weight is one of the symptoms of AIDS. One may even lose weight due to depression and other infections. One may lose weight due to this; however, it is not always true that an infected person is necessarily thin.

 3) If I get AIDS, will it be published in the newspaper?

No, revealing one’s HIV status to others without his / her consent is violation of ethics. The hospital is responsible for maintaining confidentiality of its client’s HIV status.

 4) Is it impossible to work if a person has AIDS?

This is a misconception. An HIV infected person can do any work as he/she did prior to acquiring the infection. It is important to practice a healthy life style.

 5) Is it possible for an HIV infected person to bear a child?

If parents or couples desire to have a child, they can do so. There are ways of reducing the risk of transmission to the foetus even if the mother is infected with HIV. It would largely be the personal decision of the couple / family in this case.

 6) Is it possible for a person with AIDS to live in the society?

It is certainly possible. One can live if one has confidence because there are many HIV infected people who continue to live in our society today. In case there are chances of being discriminated, they can approach counsellors / lawyers for appropriate help.

7) Is it true that washing genitals with lime after sexual intercourse with a female sex worker cures one of AIDS?

This is a misconception about AIDS. Besides engaging in sex with virgins or with animals, washing genitals with Dettol and Soda, applying Neem and Turmeric Paste, washing with urine, etc. cannot cure one of AIDS. This chemical substance will only affect the genitals, not cure one of AIDS. HIV infection may be dormant for a few days and later on increase in intensity.

8) Will AIDS go away from a person’s body if we transfuse fresh blood completely?

This is a misconception. Scientifically, it is not possible to transfuse fresh blood completely for any person; therefore, this method cannot be applied to cure one of AIDS.

9) Can AIDS be cured if the infected person has sex with a donkey?

It’s a misconception. Only with appropriate treatment, the replication of the virus can be controlled.

 10) Can AIDS be cured through sexual intercourse with a girl who has not attained puberty?

This is a misconception. Once HIV enters the human body, this person is capable of infecting others with the virus to others, even though he / she cannot  get rid of the HIV virus from is/her body. There is a great chance for that young girl to get infected with HIV.

Top 

1) Can AIDS be transmitted through interacting with people having AIDS?

It’s a misconception. HIV is transmitted only in four ways :

·  Unprotected sex with an infected person

·  Using contaminated blood and blood products

·  Using needles, syringes that are infected

·  From an HIV infected pregnant mother to her foetus

Shaking hands, eating together, using the same toilet and interacting with people  infected with HIV does not result in transmission of HIV. Interchange of body fluids is what causes the risk of transmission from one person to another.

 2) Is HIV transmitted through sharing of objects that are used by a person infected with AIDS?

HIV is transmitted only in the following four ways - unprotected sex, infected blood, infected needle and from an infected mother to her foetus. It is not trasnmitted by shaking hands, eating together and sharing common toilets.

 3) Will HIV be transmitted if an infected person’s blood falls on my hand?

Generally, it isn’t transmitted, as within a few minutes outside the body temperature, the virus usually does not survive. However, if you have any open wound, chances of transmission are possible in the absence of precautions. One can take adequate precautions by covering all open wounds.

 4) Can we prevent the transmission of HIV if we use gloves while touching persons infected with HIV?

HIV will not be transmitted even if you touch infected persons without gloves. In case, they have an open wound, it is safe to take precautions. Unnecessary use of gloves will only discriminate infected persons further.

 5) Can HIV be transmitted through sweat?

No, even though sweat may contain the HIV virus, it is not in adequate quantity or potency to transmit HIV infection.

 6) Can mosquito bites transmit HIV?

No, mosquito bites do not transmit HIV. HIV is not transmitted through any other route other than unprotected sex, transfusion of infected blood, use of contaminated needles and from an infected mother to her foetus.

 7) Is HIV transmitted through kissing?

HIV is not transmitted through kissing. HIV virus is mainly concentrated in three body fluids - blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Interchange of any of these infected fluids with another’s body fluids causes the transmission of HIV.

 8) Can an elderly person get AIDS?

Age is no barrier against HIV. An elderly person may get HIV. Any person engaging in unsafe behavior such as unprotected sex, sharing of infected needles, transfusing contaminated blood and blood products is vulnerable to getting AIDS.

 9) Can AIDS be transmitted through deep kissing?

AIDS cannot be transmitted through saliva. Though the virus is present in saliva, its potency to cause infection is very low because it is not present in adequate quantity. However, in the case of any ulcer or bleeding wound in the lips, tongue or mouth, there are chances of transmission of HIV.

 10) Can I get AIDS if my penis does not get erect?

A flaccid penis doesn’t have any relationship with AIDS. You may consult a doctor and get appropriate help. It can be cured through consultation and treatment.

 11) If semen is discharged during sleep, does it mean he has AIDS?

No, discharge of semen during nights is a natural process. It has no relationship with AIDS.

 12) Can sucking an infected person’s breast transmit HIV?

There are chances of transmission through cracks around the nipple of the infected partner or bleeding ulcers in your mouth or lips. However, there is no guarantee that HIV will be or will not be transmitted through this route.

 13) Can HIV be transmitted through drinking breast milk?

There are chances for the transmission of HIV if the infected person has cracked nipples or if you have ulcers in your lips or mouth.

 14) Will I get AIDS if I involve in tattooing and body piercing?

HIV is transmitted through the use of unsterilized sharp instruments (knife, needles and others). So, to avoid this risk, it is good to avoid tattooing and piercing.

 15) Can I get AIDS through taking injections taken at government hospital?

Transmission of HIV is possible through contaminated or unsterilized sharp instruments (knife, needle etc.). To reduce this risk, you can take the same medicine in the form of pills and avoid injections, or buy disposable needles and syringes for your use. That is 100 % safe.

 16) My brother is having AIDS, will I get it too?

HIV is not an inherited or a contagious disease. There is a chance of transmission only when any of his infected body fluids comes into contact with yours. You can always take adequate precautions to prevent that by covering open wounds, for example, and continue to relate normally with your brother.

 17) Can I get AIDS if I engage in oral sex?

Using condoms is a good protection during oral sex. Presence of ulcers in genitals and / or in the mouth of both partners can transmit HIV.

 18) Can I get AIDS if I engage in sex with a known girl without using condoms?

There are chances of acquiring HIV if any of them is infected with HIV. It is not important whether she is a ‘known person’ or a stranger as it is very difficult to know everything about a person’s behaviour. Regular condom use is a good protection.

 19) Will I get AIDS if I have sex with a trusted partner without using a condom?

Chances of getting AIDS is a reality if any of them are infected with HIV.

 20) Can one get AIDS because of sex during menstruation?

The chances of acquiring HIV is high while engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation if the partner is infected with HIV because of bleeding.

 21) Can I get AIDS if have sex with my lover?

As you alone are aware of your lover, you have to make decisions. Being mutually faithful to one’s partner is one definite protection from STIs/HIV/AIDS. However, in the absence of that, it is better to use a condom.

22) If both partners are faithful to one another, will one get AIDS?

Both partners have very good chances of being free from HIV if they are mutually faithful. However, HIV is transmitted not only through unprotected sex, but also though contaminated needles, and infected blood.

23) Can I get AIDS if I have sex with a sex worker just once?

It is possible to get AIDS if your partner is infected with HIV, no matter who this woman may be; not necessarily a sex worker. Practicing ‘safe sex’ by using condoms is a good protection.

 24) Does engaging in sex with many partners cause AIDS?

With multiple partners, the chances of acquiring HIV infection is high through unprotected sexual intercourse. It may be unprotected intercourse between man and man or man and woman. Even with a single partner, if you are unaware of the person’s lifestyle, unprotected sex carries a definite risk.

 25) Can I get AIDS if I engage in sex with an elderly person?

The chances of acquiring HIV are high when engaging in unprotected sex, even with an elderly person. There is no relationship between HIV/AIDS and a person’s age.

 26) Can I get AIDS if I have sex with a eunuch?

I cannot tell you whether you will get the infection or you won’t get it. AIDS can be prevented only through safe sex. It is more important to highlight safe sex rather than the person with whom you are engaging in sex.

 27) I don’t practice any unsafe behaviour. Do I have a chance of getting AIDS?

Involving in unsafe behaviour alone such as unprotected sex, sharing of infected needles, transfusing contaminated blood and blood products makes one vulnerable to HIV. Otherwise, vulnerability is not an issue.

 28) At present I have not been infected with HIV. Can I have sexual intercourse with my wife without using a condom?

You can engage in sex without condoms after you confirm that you are not in the ‘Window Period’. If found, negative for HIV, it would be important to sustain this status throughout your life.

 29) I am not infected with HIV. Can I donate blood?

You can certainly donate blood once you have confirmed your HIV status through blood tests and refrained from unsafe behaviour. Your service will be of great use for many.

 30) How long can I engage in sex after consuming alcohol?

Consumption of alcohol does not in any way enhance one’s sexual performance. Consumption of alcohol may reduce one’s personal inhibitions and thereby increase one’s desires, but has no impact on the duration of sexual intercourse. However, prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to sexual problems like lowered sperm count and impotence.

 31) If I am infected with HIV, will it get transmitted to my wife?

HIV transmission can take place if your infected body fluids, viz blood or semen gets mixed with your wife's blood or vaginal fluids. HIV can be transmitted through improper use of condoms during sexual intercourse. Use of condoms is a good protection while engaging in sex.

Top 

  1) If my husband has any disease will it affect me during pregnancy?

There are higher chances of infection of STIs, HIV and AIDS, if unprotected sex is practiced with your husband. Besides, there are chances of infection if your husband has Tuberculosis, Jaundice, viral fever etc. Therefore to protect yourself from infection, you may use condoms.

 2) When is HIV transmitted from mother to child?

HIV is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy (20%), during delivery (50%) and through breas-feeding(30%).

3) How did I get HIV infection? Will my HIV infection be transmitted to my child?

By testing for HIV, a person’s status will be known, not the mode of transmission. Instead of thinking about how you acquired the infection, can we talk about what needs to be done now?

There are chances of HIV transmission from infected mother to the child during pregnancy, during delivery and during breastfeeding. Medicines are available to minimize the risk of transmission to a great extent.

4) If I am infected with HIV, what should I do to avoid transmitting infection to my child?

To avoid the transmission of infection to the child, you need to take a single dose of Nevirapine during labour and your baby needs to be given Nevirapine Syrup within 72 hours after birth. You may alternately plan for a Caesarean Section as this minimises the risk of transmission. After delivery, you need to either exclusively breastfeed or provide exclusive replacement feed to your child for six months.

 5) Are you sure my baby will not be infected if Nevirapine is taken (when I am HIV positive)?

Administration of Nevirapine reduces the chances of transmission of the virus to the baby by almost 75%. Further, this needs to be strengthened by either exclusively breastfeeding or providing exclusive replacement feeds for your child for about 4 – 6 months. How does that make you feel?

 6) Does Colostrum have high risk of transmitting HIV?

Colostrum is extremely nourishing for the baby and it minimizes the risk of HIV transmission.

 7) Can we breast feed the child, since you say there is a risk of HIV infection through breast-feeding?

It is true that breast milk contains the HIV virus. Breast milk contains all nutrients essential for the child's development. To minimize the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, you could either exclusively breast feed the child or provide exclusive replacement feeds for the first six months. However, it is critical that you do not resort to mixed feeding during these six months; i.e. avoid giving sugared water etc. We can explore the benefits and risks of exclusive breastfeeding and replacement feeding.

8) What will be the future of my child if tested negative after administering Nevirapine?

If tested negative after administering Nevirapine, your child will lead a normal life like any other child.

 9) Can I undergo medical termination of pregnancy since I am HIV positive?

If you have completed three months of pregnancy, you can have medical consultation and counseling to be emotionally stable for having a healthy baby. If it is possible to terminate your pregnancy, you need to take a decision after consulting your family members.

 10) Do I need to bring my husband to your center?

It is a husband-friendly clinic; it will help him understand more about your pregnancy and related issues. In addition we can provide information regarding HIV and AIDS. Through an informed choice, if he consents to HIV testing, he can know his HIV status. He can feel free to ask us questions and clarify doubts, if any.

Top 

1) Why should I test for HIV?

By testing, you can be aware of your HIV status. If the status is positive, appropriate treatment can be taken if required, and certain decisions relating to your life can be taken consciously. Today, the government supplies ART (medication to control the replication of HIV in the body) free of cost at many government hospitals. Knowing your HIV status also helps you to take responsibility for preventing transmission to others.

 2) Why should my wife get tested for HIV?

Both of you may decide to get tested for HIV if either of you has involved in unsafe behaviors. You need to discuss this issue and decide accordingly. The only way of finding out if one is infected or not is through a blood test. If you have any questions regarding this, I am prepared to clarify your doubts.

 3) What I am supposed to do with the HIV test report? Do I need to keep it?

It is your decision whether to keep the report or not. It may be required in future for medical or other purposes.

4) Neither my husband nor I have extra marital relationships. Do you think we should test for HIV?

Testing is voluntary. HIV doesn't spread only through sexual practices but is also transmitted through unscreened blood, and contaminated needles. It would finally be your decision whether to test or not. If you want to discuss this further, you could come back another day. In case you test, you can know your HIV status; if negative for HIV, you can be relaxed; if positive for HIV, you can take adequate precautions and also reduce transmission to your child to a large extent.

5) Should I repeat the HIV test?

If it is required, i.e. if you are in the ‘Window Period’, the testing can be repeated after 3 months.

6) I would like to know my HIV result.

If you are ready, I can give it to you now. Your result says that you are positive / negative for HIV. How do you feel right now?  

7) If I am infected with HIV, will you disclose the status to my spouse or partner?

We have talked about confidentiality and I will respect that. Without your prior permission, I will not reveal your status to another. However, I would encourage you to explore the consequences of telling and not telling your partner.

 8) Do I need to share my HIV result with my spouse / partner?

If you feel comfortable, you can take initiative to share it with your partner or spouse. It will be useful for the spouse or partner to take care of his/her health as well as openly discuss certain issues of common concern. You need to think about this at length and take a decision

9) If I am infected with HIV, how will my family accept me?

If you are infected we will discuss the situation and how it can be handled with your family. Certain myths and misconceptions about the routes of transmission can be clarified. It can be conveyed to a person in your family whom you are comfortable with.

10) If problems arise because of my HIV positive status in my family how will I handle them ?

You need to plan for handling the family situation and you can share your plans with someone you are comfortable with. Every problem has a solution and together, I am confident we can find a way out.

 11) How long can an HIV infected person live?

 An HIV infected person can lead a normal life if the immune level is stable, taking a balanced diet, practicing meditation and physical exercise. For any infection, precautions need to be taken, so it is with HIV. You can lead a qualitative life with HIV.

12) If my HIV test result is negative, what precautions do I have to take to remain negative all through my life?

If the result is negative, to remain negative in future you need to be aware of the following: to practice safe sex / to utilize screened blood and blood products / to use disposable needle and syringes.