Q & A

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 3:41 PM

I have received emails with short questions so I decided to answer them all in one email. Here are some of the questions:

 1. How much are the meds?
a. If you are talking about the HIV medicines or the antiretrovirals or ARV's, they are FREE nationwide, as long as you are a Filipino or a permanent resident in the country. The reason why they are free is because they are subsidized by the Global Fund up to now. The requirement for you to avail of the FREE ARV's are the confirmatory result which was done here in the Philippines and a certificate of permanent residency if you are a foreigner.

b. The prophylaxis for the opportunistic infections are sometimes FREE in the government HIV/AIDS Treatment Hubs as long as they have available supply.

 c. The treatment for opportunistic infections that come with weakening immune system is NOT free however if in case you need treatment and you don't have money to pay for the labs and medicines, you can approach the social worker of the hospital or go to PCSO if the treatment is long.

 2. How much is the anal wart treatment?
a. Anal wart treatment fee depends on how big the warts are. In RITM Satellite Clinic, the rate starts from P2,500.

 Read these other blog entries:

 a. About Anal Wart Removal
b. About Possible Anal wart

 3. How long are the results of the STD tests in RITM Satellite and how much?
The result of the STD tests in RITM Satellite Clinic are given on the same day, usually 2 to 3 hours after the testing.

 4. How is the HIV transferred? Sperm? how?
HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another person through blood (including menstrual blood), semen, vaginal secretions and breastmilk.
HIV can be transmitted through:
  • Unprotected sexual contact
  • Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products
  • Mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk)
a. Sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal): In the genitals and the rectum, HIV may infect the mucous membranes directly or enter through cuts and sores caused during intercourse (many of which would be unnoticed). Vaginal and anal intercourse is a high-risk practice.
b. Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina): The mouth is an inhospitable environment for HIV (in semen, vaginal fluid or blood), meaning the risk of HIV transmission through the throat, gums, and oral membranes is lower than through vaginal or anal membranes. There are however, documented cases where HIV was transmitted orally, so we can’t say that getting HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid or blood in the mouth is without risk. However, oral sex is considered a low risk practice.
c. Sharing injection needles: An injection needle can pass blood directly from one person’s bloodstream to another. It is a very efficient way to transmit a blood-borne virus. Sharing needles is considered a high-risk practice.
d. Mother to Child: It is possible for an HIV-infected mother to pass the virus directly before or during birth, or through breast milk. Breast milk contains HIV, and while small amounts of breast milk do not pose significant threat of infection to adults, it is a viable means of transmission to infants.

Source: http://www.aids.org/topics/aids-faqs/how-is-hiv-transmitted/

 Check out these other blog entries:

 a. HIV Risk in homosexual and heterosexuals
b. HIV 101: Transmission of HIV
c. Sex Re-education
d. Myths About HIV

 5. How much are the tests in RITM-ARG?
The lab tests including the CD4 (and the annual Viral Load) are all FREE for new and returning PLHIV's. Of course, the staff will ask you later for your PhilHealth as these tests are being covered by the OHAT Package of PhilHealth so everybody has to do his or her fair share.

 6. When to get an HIV Test? 3 weeks or 3 months post exposure?
The best time to take the HIV is 3 months (12 weeks) post exposure or unprotected sex. This ensures that the result will be accurate as the antibodies will be detected by the test by then.

 7. Is HIV considered a disability? Can PLHIV’s have a disability card?
I asked Dr. Ditangco about this and she told me that if a PLHIV has no disabling opportunistic infections then it is not considered a disability. For this purpose I also emailed  the National Council on Disability Affairs and up to now and up to now I haven't received any response yet.

 8. Do PLHIV’s get quarantined once tested positive?
PLHIV's don't get quarantined. PERIOD. We don't have a disease that is airborne or can be transmitted through touching. Patients don't get isolated in the hospital like tuberculosis, etc. 

 9. Can I still work?
Of course you can still work. One, in the Philippines, it is discrimation if an employer will fire you because you have HIV or AIDS. Also, the HIV test is not a requirement for employment here.

 However, if you are sick, then you should get off work and take a leave of absence. Also since PLHIV's have a weaker immune system, make sure that you take precautions in not getting infections in the workplace.

 10. What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of HIV are non specific. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, if you had unprotected sex and not used a condom while having sex with somebody of unknown HIV status, then take the test fast.

 Please read these other blog entry:

 a. Early Signs of HIV Infection
"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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