HIV/AIDS AND LOVE

There is no connection between HIV and LOVE

There is only regret, pain, and heartbreak.

I love my spouse

I commit to remain faithful and disease free.

I care for my spouse

I commit to remain faithful and disease free.

I respect my marriage

I commit to remain faithful and disease free.

What do you need to know about the disease?

What is HIV ?
H - Human I - Immunodeficiency

V - Virus

What is AIDS ?
A - Acquired I - Immune D - Deficiency S - Syndrome

What does being HIV positive mean ?

It means that the person has HIV in their blood This can only be ascertained by an HIV antibody blood test It also means the HIV+ person can pass on the virus.

How is HIV / AIDS spread ?

Unprotected sex with an infected partner Blood or organ transplant from an infected person NOTE : Since 1985 all donated blood is tested for HIV. Infected blood is destroyed. Sharing or using IV needles that has been infected by HIV Mother to child during pregnancy and at childbirth NOTE : 97% of ALL transmission in Singapore is through sex. However in some countries, IV drug use is the more common mode of transmission.

How is HIV/AIDS not spread ?

y Kissing y Hugging y Coughing or sneezing y Handshakes y Sharing food and drinks y Using communal plates or cups You also cannot get HIV from y Toilets seats y Donating blood y Mosquitoes

What are the signs & symptoms of HIV infection ?

For most people,

NONE
Some people will develop symptoms that are common to other illnesses. We refer to them as flu-like symptoms. Only a blood-test can tell if one is HIV positive or not.

When should I test?

y You should go for a HIV test one to three months after a suspected exposure. y This is called the window period. y Do refrain from from all sexual contact or ensure that you have only protected sex in the mean time.

HIV testing?
y You can have HIV screening done at any government or private clinic. y Action for AIDS conducts the only Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing in Singapore.

Should I test?

yYES If you have had unprotected sex with casual partners or with persons whose HIV status you do not know.

Respect the right to work for all.

HIV @ Workplace?
y Is it okay to work with an HIV colleague? y Of course - There has been ZERO cases of HIV being transmitted under normal work situations.

HIV @ Workplace?
yWhy not?
yNormal casual situations carry zero risks y Impossible for transmission to take place

What is the cure for HIV/AIDS ?

y There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. y There are drugs that can delay the full onset of the illnesses associated with HIV/AIDS. y These drugs can help prolong life but they cannot cure HIV/AIDS. These drugs are very expensive and there is no government subsidy programme.

How does one protect oneself from HIV / AIDS ?

y Abstinence
y Be faithful monogamy y Condom use
y These are referred to as safer sex practices. y Of these only abstinence is 100% safe.

ABSTINENCE?
It means not having sex We can learn to respect our bodies
Exercise self control Find other means of fun e.g going to the movies, exercising and other group activities with your good friends

Talk to counselors

You are being pressured to have sex so how?

Practise Monogamy
y Be faithful to one partner, preferably your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse.

Make condom use a habit

y Using a condom is the best way to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids. y If used properly, condom affords the best protection against HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases. y Buy only quality condoms and where necessary use only water-based lubricants.

Some social myths state that

Only HOMOSEXUALS get AIDS
80% of the sexual transmission of HIV is heterosexual

WOMEN who get it are SLUTS or LOOSE

More than 60% of the women who are HIV+ are married

Only the UNEDUCATED get HIV

40% are technical level and above

Why show you these examples? HIV doesn t care who you are HIV affects those who put themselves at risk Only being educated can help keep you HIV-free

How do you deal with HIV+ people Practice compassion Put yourself in the other person s shoes Think about how you would like to be treated

Why is there stigma and discrimination?

People see HIV/AIDS as punishment For immoral behaviour Being HIV/AIDS+ as a crime In relation to innocent and guilty victim Fight against HIV/AIDS as war By fighting people who are positive

Why is there stigma and discrimination?

People see HIV/AIDS as a horror By demonising infected people Unfounded fears HIV/AIDS as a disease of others That it is a disease for nonmainstream

How do you overcome stigma and discrimination?

Legal protection Upscale education and access to information Deal with fear and prejudice Create an enabling environment for all Normalise the disease, treat like any other medical condition

Exercise your right to information

This is only one talk

Get informed!
y Ask for more information
y Industrial nurse y MOH y AFA

y Access Internet

Action for AIDS Public Services

ANONYMOUS HIV COUNSELING AND BLOOD TESTING TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS SATURDAYS

6.30 1.30

8.00 PM 3.30 PM

DSC CLINIC BLOCK 31, KELANTAN LANE GROUND FLOOR FEES - $20.00 PER TEST

Action for AIDS Public Services

HIV/AIDS/STD TELEPHONE COUNSELING TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAY 6.30 9.30 PM TELEPHONE : WEBSITE E-MAIL : : 6254 0212 www.afa.org.sg afa@pacific.net.sg
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

All inquiries are treated in-confidence.

Let s talk

Thank You