Counseling -- HIV.
Good morning Mr. Smith I am Dr. Munagapati, senior house officer in the department of Medicine. The result of your blood test came today morning. Are you anxious to know the result?
I am afraid to say that the blood test confirmed that you are having the HIV virus which cause AIDS. I can understand that this is very shocking news for you. I would like to ask you a few questions to put things in perspective.
H/o blood transfusion? Do you use any recreational drugs?
Do you practice safe sex? What are your sexual preferences?
Mr. Smith having the virus doesn't mean that you are having AIDS. We really don't know how the disease progresses. Some people can be free of symptoms for a long time. However it is important that you use medication to prevent further deterioration in your condition. The symptoms you might experience could be body aches, lethargy, swelling of your glands, headache, weight loss, skin infection, diarrhoea etc. You will also require regular follow up with us.
Mr. Smith you should practice safe sex. You shouldn't donate blood or share needles and razors. This is an entirely confidential matter but I feel you should tell your GP and your partner.
(vaccinations contraindicated in HIV: BCG, oral polio and yellow fever)