Text: Criselda Kananda. Article from the January 2014 issue of Bona Magazine.
HIV or Aids-related question? Lonely and confused? Don’t despair! Radio and TV personality Criselda Kananda is here to answer your questions.
Positive talk: Criselda Kananda’s CD, Positive Talk, explains why it’s important for you to know your status. She gives simple explanations of the medical terms used when it comes to HIV/Aids, and suggests treatment options. The CD also includes the song Beautiful Woman, celebrating inner beauty.
For more information or to order the CD, contact Criselda at: E-mail: info@positivetalk.co.za; Fax: 086 617 5480;
Web: www.positivetalkservices.co.za
Counselor says I’m HIV+ even though tests show negative
I am a 29-year-old guy whose girlfriend of four years is HIV+. From early on in our relationship we never used condoms and even after finding out about her status, we’re not using protection. I have been tested[ but the results show I’m negative. After telling our local counsellor my story, she told me I am HIV+ and the virus is hiding in my system because my immune system is strong. Is it possible for the virus to hide that long? KB
Dear KB: Scientifically you are referred to as a discordant couple. This is a growing concern for many couples throughout the world. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) partnered with the Human Sciences Research Council and other organisations to conduct and release a study on how couples like you cope, what your understanding of the situation is, and the life choices you make. This study, conducted with 51 couples in South Africa, Tanzania and the Ukraine, assessed sexual health, reproductive desires, strategies for preventing HIV transmission to the negative partner, and sexual and reproductive health services needs of HIV discordant couples. The study found that the needs of HIV-discordant couples have received insufficient attention in the research and policy agenda. Research continues, but in the meantime use protection and don’t play with fire. I’ve heard stories on discordancy but I’ve never heard the one told by your counsellor. A lab result that says you are HIV- means exactly that – negative. We continue seeking answers; in the meantime I wish you and your partner love and light.
Reluctant to take new HIV medication
It’s my fifth year living with HIV and my CD4 Count is 348. My doctor has advised I start taking medication. I am reluctant to take it because I still look and feel healthy. Is there anything I can do to up my CD4 count; except taking the medication? What are the known side effects of this new single dose tablet? Anonymous, Pretoria
Dear Anonymous: I don’t know of one specific pill to strengthen your helper cells. This is done naturally by a body that’s physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy. Essentially ARV’s treat the number of the virus copies in your body. Starting treatment without knowing this number is puzzling. Your CD4 Count is still fairly ok. If you don’t have other immune compromising conditions, like recurring infections – diabetes, cancer, etc. – ask your doctor to explain why you should start immediately. The fixed dose combination (FDC) ARV that is rolled out in South Africa is a single tablet, which contains a combination of tenofovir (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) and efavirenz (EFV). The most commonly known side effects associated with these medicines are nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, headaches and dizziness (light-headed, feeling faint, unsteady, loss of balance). This does not affect all those on treatment.
Natural birth and HIV
Is it possible for an HIV + pregnant woman to give birth to an HIV- baby during a natural delivery? Lolo, KZN
Dear Lolo: Yes, an HIV+ mother can deliver a baby naturally and not infect the baby provided she knows her status, she is on treatment, and her viral load is undetectable or minimal. Research shows that the lower the viral load, the lower the risk of mother to child transmission. This can only be achieved if the pregnant mother works with trained professionals.
Write to Criselda: HIV Q&A
PO Box 473014, Parklands, 2121 Your anonymity is guaranteed.
You can also inbox us your questions via facebook.com/bonamagazine. Twitter @bonamag. Email bona@caxton.co.za
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