Q: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
A: The terms “HIV” and “AIDS” may confuse you because the two terms talk about the same disease. But HIV is the name of the virus while AIDS describes the last stage of the disease. That is the stage when the infected person’s immune system is so damaged that his/her body would no longer be able to fight off any disease.
Q: What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
A: In the first 2 weeks to 1 month of HIV infection, some people may have flu-like symptoms-(cold and catarrh things). But just like other Sexually Transmitted Infections, there are no clear-cut symptoms when a person is infected with HIV. The only way to truly know if you have HIV/AIDS is to get tested at a clinic.
Q: Is it needed to use condom for sexual relationship between HIV positive persons?
A: Yes, it is needed to use condom for sexual relationship between HIV positive persons. Among HIV positive persons, sub types of HIV virus can be different. Mixed infection is more harmful, destructive and can reduce the immunity faster.
Q:What will happen if someone reuses a condom by turning it inside out?
A:If we reuse condom, transmission of infections will be easier. A condom should be used only once.
Q:Can we buy female condom readily? Can it prevent sexually transmitted infections effectively like a male condom?
A:Although it is not so easy to buy female condom compared to buying male condom, it is effective for prevention of sexually transmitted infections if you use it systematically.
Q: Is there any difference between condoms of different packaging?
A: Although color, scent or size of condoms may differ, condoms are basically the same.
Q: If a person will have sex with an HIV positive person, can condoms assure 100% prevention from disease transmission?
A: Condoms are not 100% effective. Condoms can prevent infections close to 100% if we use systematically, and use condoms which are intact and not expired.
Q: How can a counseling team help HIV positive persons?
A: A counseling team can help HIV positive persons to live healthy without depression, to know do’s and don’ts for healthy life style, and to make decision correctly by the HIV positive person who received counseling.
Q: Can HIV be transmitted though drinking water by using a glass contaminated with blood?
A: There is small chance, because HIV virus cannot pierce skin of human being or lining of digestive system. However, if the one has sore in his/her lip, HIV may be transmitted through the sore.
Q: Can HIV be transmitted through animal (dog, cat) bite?
A: HIV virus is viable only in the body of human, not in the body of animals.
Q: Is it true that applying drugs during sexual intercourse can prevent HIV transmission?
A: It is not true.
Q: How long can HIV virus survive outside human body?
A: It depends on contact with temperature, humidity and light needed for survival. If situation is not favorable, virus may die within a few minutes.
Q: Is it appropriate to get pregnant if a woman is HIV positive and want to get a baby?
A: Decision is with the woman and her spouse. HIV transmission rate is very low if the prevention of mother to child transmission service is received properly.
Q: Is it possible to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to her newborn baby?
A: Transmission of HIV from mother to her newborn baby can be prevented. By giving ARV to pregnant mother, giving ARV to the newborn baby within 72 hour after delivery, choosing the way to deliver which has the least chance of transmission and giving ARV, giving exclusive breastfeeding to the baby without giving any fluid or supplementary food up to 6 months or giving formula milk systematically if the situation allows.
Q: What should an HIV positive pregnant woman do?
A: She needs to receive antenatal care from skillful doctors as soon as she knows she is pregnant. In order to reduce the possibility of transmitting HIV to the baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding periods, and to maintain a health of a pregnant mother, she needs to take antenatal care regularly.
Q: What is cervical cancer?
A: The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix -- the lower part of the uterus (womb). The fetus grows in the body of the uterus (the upper part). The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
Long-lasting infections with certain types of the STI human papillomavirus (HPV) cause almost all cases of cervical cancer.
Q: How can the uterine cancer be prevented?
A: Vaccines that protect against infection with these types of HPV can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can usually be cured if it is found and treated in the early stages.