JEAN SSENINDE UNITED SAFETY CORNER

Every single week as Jean Sseninde United, our commitment is to focus and shine a light on medical conditions that affect the community, in what we consider as our Safety Corner. For our Safety Corner this week, we focus on HIV and AIDS.

• What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.

Speaking to the Jean Sseninde United weekly round-up live show, Josephine Namirimu, the Jean Sseninde United Team Medic noted, “HIV AIDS is real and despite the fact that we have forgotten because of other diseases like Covid -19, we are here to remind you that HIV AIDS is real and can be spread through unprotected sex and no testing of partners.”

The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.

• Signs and Symptoms.

Within a few weeks of HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and fatigue can occur. Then the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue and recurrent infections.

No cure exists for AIDS, but strict adherence to Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), can dramatically slow the disease’s progress as well as prevent secondary infections and complications.

Jean Sseninde United’s team medic Josephine Namirimu concludes by emphasizing, “Take ARVs if you test positive, go test to find out your status and encourage people to test. Counselors are also available to talk to patients whether positive or negative and importantly to help them deal with stigma for those who turn out HIV positive. Have empathy for these positive people and ensure they have the support structure of families with love and care.”

PR & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER