Questions
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» What to do if you suspect you are HIV Positive?
» Where are the ARV sites in the Greater Durban area?
» What will I need to take with me when visiting an ARV site?
» What is the Process for starting ARV drugs?
» What immune supporting supplements boost the immune system?
» How do I know I have TB?


Answers
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» What to do if you suspect you are HIV Positive?

SYMPTOMS:

• Loss of weight
• Oral thrush
• Shingles
• Pulmonary TB
• Feeling run down/tired
• Intermittent diarrohea and/or vomiting
• Swollen glands (neck, axilla, groin)
• Getting sick more often with colds and flu

STEP 1:
Go for pre-test counselling and an HIV test. This test is free and available at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust or any government clinic.

STEP 2: (IF POSITIVE)
Go for a CD4 count (this test measures the strength of your immune system. A normal CD4 count is between 800-1200).

This test is available at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre for R80. Results are available within 2 days.

This test is also available at a local government clinic for free. However, the results take longer to receive and are back within approximately three weeks.

STEP 3:
If your CD4 count is 200 or below, you need to start taking ARV's.

It is important to note that you will not be able to access ARV's through a government ARV roll out site if your CD4 count is above 200.

If your CD4 count is below 200 you need to take Bactrim (Purbac/Cotrimoxazole) 2 tablets daily, Vitamin B Co and Folic Acid.

Eat nutritious food, that is, at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day plus protein and carbohydrates. Also, liver is good for anaemia.

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» Where are the ARV sites in the Greater Durban area?

• McCords Hospital
• St Mary's Hospital
• R. K. Khan Hospital
• Ethembeni – Don McKenzie Hospital in Botha's Hill
• Local government clinics where you will have your blood taken and received training in how to take ARV's and then you will be referred to RK Khan Hospital for ARV's.

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STEP 4:

» What will I need to take with me when visiting an ARV site?

• A South African Identity document
• CD4 results if taken somewhere other than the ARV site you are wanting to access ARV's from
• A treatment “buddy” (a good friend or family member who you have disclosed your status to, for emotional support)

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STEP 5:

» What is the Process for starting ARV drugs?

This involves the initial registration and blood taken for various initial blood tests

Three separate training days usually over a three week period before commencement of an ARV programme. This is important because you will have to take ARV's every day at the same time for the rest of your life.

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» What immune supporting supplements boost the immune system?

• Stimulandi and Moducare tablets are excellent to keep your immune system healthy.
• Also, Sejo porridge is an excellent way to increase your appetite and start the day on a healthy note.
• Moducare, Stimulandi and Sejo are available from the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust.

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» How do I know I have TB?

If you have been:

1. coughing for more than two weeks,
2. losing weight,
3. sweating at night
4. and feel feverish


...then you need to be tested for TB!!

Two sputum bottles will be given to you – if these come back negative and you still have the above symptoms you will need to go for a Chest X-Ray.

Once you are on TB medication, you can no longer infect anybody else.

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