People living with HIV have the same reproductive rights as any other person and it is not uncommon for an HIV positive man or woman to consider having a child despite the risks associated with conception. However, women who are HIV positive and planning to fall pregnant or women who are negative but wanting to conceive with a partner who is HIV positive have much to consider before conception. The priority is a healthy pregnancy without transmitting the infection to the child and this is achievable with effective HIV management.
Whether you chose not to use a condom or if the condom burst midway during sex, your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), HIV or falling pregnant is high. This is a cause of much stress for both teens and adults alike and if you want to avoid this experience then always use a condom and remember that two condoms are better than one.
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Antiretroviral drugs are an essential part of HIV/AIDS treatment and should be started when the doctor who is monitoring your condition deems it necessary. Unfortunately, many of the HIV/AIDS myths in South Africa hamper proper ARV use and at times, ARV’s are started too late. In order for your doctor to notify you when ARV’s are needed, he/she will have to monitor your CD4 count and viral load over a period of time. This will ensure that you get onto ARV’s at the right time, rather than starting up later in the disease.
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Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, the treatment and prognosis for this disease is one of the major obstacles facing health authorities. South Africa has some unique HIV/AIDS myths, which is a result of ignorance, disinformation by certain fraternities of the health care sector and cultural beliefs. These are some of the South African myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, although many of these myths are also common in other countries.
The concern about the increasing swine flu (2009 H1N1 flu) infections in South Africa has prompted the Department of Health to follow suit, along with other countries, in considering a vaccination program for South Africans. The concern around the current 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic is that South Africa’s HIV positive citizens may be the most prone. Given the high HIV/AIDS infection rate in South Africa, this could have a detrimental effect on the adult population of the country.
How is HIV infection monitored?
HIV infection is usually monitored by your medical practitioner using a combination of blood tests and presenting signs and symptoms. Your CD4 cell count will provide an indication of the state of your immune system and this count usually drops as the infection progresses. A healthy person who is not suffering with any chronic disease and is not HIV-positive will usually have a CD4 cell count of 900 cells/uL or more.
Maternity benefits included
Pre-existing conditions covered (excl HIV/Aids)