$Unique_ID{BRK01521}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Questions on Discussing the Topic of AIDS}
$Subject{AIDS Infections Resources infected National Hotline information blood
test acquired immune deficiency syndrome hiv human immunodeficiency virus
viruses infection resource tests}
$Volume{A-7, U-7}
$Log{
Who Gets AIDS*0001002.scf
AIDS is not Spread by Casual Contact*0001004.scf
AIDS is Sexually Transmitted*0001005.scf
AIDS is Transmitted by Sharing Infected Needles*0001007.scf
Symptoms of AIDS*0001008.scf
AIDS Weakens the Immune System*0001003.scf
HIV--Human Immune Deficiency Virus*0001001.scf
How to Avoid AIDS*0001006.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Questions on Discussing the Topic of AIDS


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QUESTION:  I live in a small town, and sometimes find it difficult to discuss
matters with my own physician.  I am now deeply depressed over my feelings
that somehow I have become infected with AIDS.  The most recent statistics
seem to mean that everyone is at risk.  Is there anyway you can help me, I
desperately need some information.

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ANSWER:  I can certainly understand your anxiety and impressions.  Whenever
there is a press conference about the number of cases of AIDS in our
population, my mail is flooded with requests that are very similar to yours.
Though I would like to respond to each of them, that is beyond my abilities.
Yet each question deserves a personal answer that responds to the individual
and unique circumstances of that person, but such a reply may be incorrect
for all those who have written.  Of course, I believe that your personal
physician is in the best position to evaluate your problem, but I know that
the fear that this information may get out can be a real obstacle.  I doubt
that your doctor or the office staff would betray such a medical confidence,
but I can understand your reluctance to put that to a test.  Therefore my best
advice to you, and others who have written with similar concerns and problems,
is to contact the National AIDS Hotline, a service run by the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control.  The number is 1-800-342-2437, and it is staffed 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.  The counselors are attentive and sensitive to the
problem, and can provide information about referral services, support groups
and the like.  They can also provide you with written educational material
that may help you understand more about the disease.  What they can not and
will not do is to make a medical diagnosis for you, as they may only answer
questions and provide general information.  I feel that this is an excellent
starting point for anyone with the need to get more information about AIDS;
but in the final analysis, it will require a medical examination and the all
important blood tests before any diagnosis can be made.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.