HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that targets and gradually destroys a person's immune system, and owing to the lack of timely medical intervention, it can even lead to AIDS. HIV usually spreads through direct contact with body fluids, such as infected blood, semen or vaginal discharge. HIV counselling has become a key element in infectious disease management, in which our focus is not only on the patient health but also on the various psychological challenges that they are facing. There are two ends of the counselling program:
- To educate people, in order to prevent the further transmission of HIV
- To provide emotional support to those who have been affected by HIV directly or indirectly.
Both of these are extremely important as the former can help to curb the spread of HIV. HIV is preventable and by educating the masses in spreading awareness about the disease and its spread, we can save many lives. Also, being diagnosed with HIV can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging. As such, it is very important to reach out to the affected and provide all the emotional and psychological support that they need. We strictly abide by patient confidentiality and respect your right to privacy.
The various aims of HIV counselling include:
- To determine whether the lifestyle of a person puts him or her at a higher risk of developing HIV
- To help the individuals understand the various risks associated with HIV
- To help individuals identify high-risk behaviour
- To help individuals devise behavioural changes that can help lower the risks
- To help individuals incorporate the behavioural changes in their life.
- You have the patient and his/her family deal with emotional trauma and stress and educate them about the disease.
Who should opt for counselling?
Major indications of HIV Counselling include:
- If you have been sexually active in areas where HIV prevalence is high
- If you have indulged in same-gender sex
- If your current or previous sexual partner has been tested positive for HIV
- If you have been presenting with the clinical symptoms of HIV
- If your sexual behaviour is highly risky
- If you have been taking or injecting drugs
Topics in focus:
Some of the very important topics related to HIV that our experts will shed light on, include:
- HIV antibody testing and its importance
- Difference between HIV and AIDS
- Window Period for HIV testing
- Why is it important to track your HIV status and how you can do it?
- Treatment options available for HIV
- How is HIV transmitted?
- Importance of safe sex and how we can reduce the risks?
- Partner notification issues
- HIV status of the partner and why it is important to know the same
- How to cope up with mental stress
Why Eternal Hospital?
At Eternal Hospital, we have a highly qualified and dedicated team of experts who are always committed to providing the latest and most advanced medical care to all our patients. Being a trusted name in healthcare, we act compassionately while ensuring confidentiality to those who need it. We have set high standards in patient-centric premium care along with outstanding patient safety and exceptional maintenance in a timely manner. We adhere to the use of up to the minute innovations to offer state-of-the-art treatments to our patients with unparalleled results.
