HIV negative or positive: you are the same person
About 15-million South Africans test for HIV every year. Are you one of them?
Here are true stories:
‘I’m getting vaccinated to help end the pandemic.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated and I hope you are too.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated and hope everyone will do the same’.
‘I’m getting vaccinated and I can’t wait.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated because we need to beat COVID-19 together.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated so we can beat COVID-19’.
‘I’m getting vaccinated so we can get back to ‘normal’.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated because it’s the best way to protect myself and my loved ones.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated because I trust the science.’
‘I’m getting vaccinated because I want to protect my community.’
Live a productive, healthy life
When antiretrovirals (ARVs) first became available in South Africa some 20 years ago, we were able to say to HIV-positive people: HIV is not a death sentence. Since then, research and knowledge about HIV has advanced.
Today, Right Care says to HIV-positive patients: if you stay on your treatment and lead a healthy lifestyle, you can live a normal and productive life.
Scientists and researchers are working on a HIV vaccine and a cure. In the meantime, Right to Care reminds you to:
How we can help
Right to Care is ready to help you. We have a team of counsellors who will give you a respectful, free and confidential HIV test. This can be done in place that is comfortable for you either in your community or in your home. In some areas, we provide home testing kits that allow you to test in your own home, but with our support.
As well as HIV, we will also screen you for tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Like HIV, if diagnosed early, treatment is likely to be successful so you can live well.
If you need to go to the clinic, our counsellors will arrange your clinic visit so that you don’t have to wait in queues. You will be treated with care and respect.
We support you when you are on treatment. To speak to us, you can send a WhatsApp or ‘please call me’ to 079 851 2490.
Managing a chronic condition
Living with HIV is no different to living with any other chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension. If you don’t look after yourself, then you will develop health complications.
What to do:
Take your medicine
go for routine checks up at your healthcare facility
eat healthy-
include fresh vegetables, meat or chicken without fat, beans and pulses, avoid sugar and processed foods, drink water rather than sugary drinks
exercise regularly
quit smoking
drink alcohol in moderation
use condoms during sex
Many people fear that their lives will change completely if they are diagnosed with HIV, but this is not so. The main adjustment to your daily life will be taking medication every day. We also recommend living healthily by:
In fact, this is how all of us should live anyway.
Disclosing
Many people fear that if they disclose their HIV status they will be rejected by friends and loved ones.
People often tell us that they are surprised when the opposite happens. When they tell their loved ones they are HIV-positive, they are offered care and support.
Think about yourself: if someone discloses to you that they are HIV-positive, will you reject or support them?
The benefits of disclosing
It is your right to decide whether you want to disclose your HIV status or not, and who you disclose to.
However, keeping HIV a secret can delay your decision to start treatment and make it harder to take treatment every day. We find that the longer someone remains silent about their HIV status, the harder it becomes to tell others. Telling somebody will make it easier for you to accept your illness.
If you are in a sexual relationship with someone, it is very important to tell them. Then you can make informed decisions together about protecting yourselves.
Our professional counsellors are trained:
Talk to us
To speak to us, you can send a WhatsApp or ‘please call me’ to 079 851 2490.
