HIV/AIDS
What
you need to know?
The
aids pandemic has already resulted in millions of death worldwide and
Seychelles is not an exception. Every person infected and affected by
HIV/AIDS deserves compassion and support, regardless of the circumstances
surrounding the infection. Since there is no vaccine for
HIV/AIDS, education is being seen as the most effective weapon in the
fight of the disease.
AIDS
(Acquired
Immunodeficiency Deficiency Syndrome) is the development of a group of diseases
after a person has been infected with HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency Virus). The onset can take up to 10
years or more after infection with HIV but new drug therapies can delay
the progression into AIDS even longer.
A
person with HIV may look and feel healthy for many years, but can still
transmit the virus to someone else.
Ways
in which HIV can be transmitted
HIV
can be transmitted through the exchange of any body fluids from an
infected person. These include:
Blood
Semen
(including pre-ejaculate fluid)
Vaginal
secretions
Breast
milk
In
Seychelles, HIV is most frequently transmitted sexually, that is vaginal,
anal as well as oral sex. Therefore the only way you can reduce your risk
of becoming infected is through practicing the ABC’s of safer sex.
Abstinence
– That
means no sex
Be
faithful – Have
sex with only one partner
Condom
– Use
condom
Use
condoms correctly and consistently from start to finish, every time you
have vaginal or anal intercourse and with each act of oral sex on a man.
Use a condom cut open or a dental dam with each act of oral sex on a
woman.
Other
ways of which safer sex can be practiced include kissing, massaging,
hugging, touching, body rubbing and masturbation.
In
Seychelles, all blood, or blood products used during transfusions or
surgeries have been tested for HIV. All contaminated products are
immediately disposed of by medical professionals.
Ensure
all instruments used for tattooing and body piercing is completely sterile
in order to prevent HIV transmission.
HIV
cannot be transmitted through:
-
Donating
blood
-
Bites
from mosquitoes and other insects
-
Sneezes
and coughs
-
Touching,
hugging or dry kissing a person with HIV
-
The
urine or sweat of an infected person
-
Public
toilets, saunas, showers or pools
-
Sharing
towels or clothing
-
Sharing
drinks or eating utensils
-
Being
friends with a person who has HIV/AIDS.
Anonymous
HIV testing is the only form of HIV testing that is not named based. This
is done at the Communicable Diseases Control Unit (CDCU) at the Ministry
of Health. No one else will know the results of your test, except yourself
and the doctor or nurse giving you the result.
It
is a violation of individual human rights to discriminate against people
who are infected with HIV/ AIDS or anyone thought to be at risk of
infection.
In
an effort to control the spread of HIV/ AIDS everybody is being encouraged
to lead a positive lifestyle.
The
key to your health!
Do
something you enjoy and find relaxing:
Think
positive
Exercise
regularly
Eat
healthily
Think
safety
Be
careful with alcohol; less is best
Ensure
adequate rest
SAY
NO TO CIGARETTES – ILLEGAL DRUGS
Help
stop the spread of HIV! Get involved in community efforts by making sure
you and others understand the facts about HIV/AIDS. Express care,
compassion and support for people living with HIV.
Join
us in the fight against HIV/ AIDS
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