Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2010. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - January 12, 2010
According to the Aids Access Foundation, people who are worried they are infected with HIV usually keep it to themselves, internalising the stress instead of speaking out about their worries.
Due to a situation in which there are over 12,000 new HIV infections in Thailand each year, in addition to the 500,000 Thais who have already been infected, the foundation has set up an HIV/Aids hotline. Accessed on 02-372-2222, the hotline service offers free consultation for anyone who fears they might have been infected with HIV. Staff are on hand every day from 10am to 8pm to discuss related matters under strict patient confidentiality.
The list below, supplied by Aids Access, describes the most frequent situations of a caller to the hotline.
Someone who has:
-- had sexual intercourse with somebody, especially if they met each other at an entertainment venue that offers sexual services. Even though they used condoms during sex, they are not certain that it will prevent them from contracting HIV.
-- had oral sex and is not sure it was safe.
-- a high risk of being HIV positive and needs suggestions regarding where to go for blood screening.
-- just been diagnosed as HIV positive and needs suggestions regarding how to inform his/her partner as well as how to refuse when his/her partner asks for sexual activities.
-- been diagnosed as HIV positive and fears suffering and death.
-- limited understanding regarding a course of treatment or medication received from a health-care provider.
-- limited knowledge and information regarding their rights in the health care system including benefits they may be entitled to from social security services.
'Health Tips' welcomes any questions about health issues, which we will forward to a specialist in the field. Fax your questions to 02-240-3668, or email arusap@bangkokpost.co.th.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2010. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
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