Thursday, August 9, 2007



When dealing with a person living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) the bottom line is that you must treat them , the way out would like to be treated if you were infected with HIV.
DOs:

Sympathise and empathise with them

Provide them family and social support

Allow them to be a part of the family as he / she was prior to disclosure of the infection

Allow them to get back to their work as soon as soon as he / she is physically fit, since HIV infection doesn’t require special rest

Keep them engaged in some activity, as an empty mind is a devil’s workshop

Make efforts to reduce their stress

Encourage them to exercise and meditate as these help prolong the life span

Provide them with a high protein, high vitamin diet and clean potable water (boiled)

Convince them to stop all addictions such as tobacco cigarettes, alcohol or other psychotropic / recreational drugs

Register them with a health care facility for regular checks and follow up

Take immediate steps to treat even minor ailments. However, it is not necessary to disclose their HIV status to their family physician

Dispose off blood stained tampons and bandages properly, either by flushing or by disinfecting them first with detergent

Advice them to use safe sex (condoms) with their sex partner, even if partner is already HIV positive

Purse them at any appropriate time, to make a will

Provide foster care to their children

Help fight the discrimination meted out to them by hospitals , doctors and employers

Educate family members and friends about HIV / AIDS, if they already know the HIV status of the patient.

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