HIV HAS NO SPECIFIC SIGNS and SYMPTOMS.

Within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV, a person might have flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, diarrhea, fatigue or rash. In rare instances they may occur within a few days after the exposure has taken place. These symptoms usually go away after a week or two. Often, if they occur at all, they're so mild they're hardly noticeable, although for some people they are severe enough to warrant calling a doctor. It's important to keep in mind these symptoms are almost identical to those of many other illnesses. That's why testing is so important. Very often people who have the symptoms are worrying unnecessarily. Only by taking the HIV test can someone reliably know their HIV status. Everything else is just guessing and HIV is too important and issue to merely guess about.. Take the HIV ANTIBODY TEST, it is CONFIDENTIAL. If you are interested to take the test then check this site http://couragephilippines.blogspot.com/2011/07/hiv-testing-centers-in-philippines.html just walk-in to the testing site nearest to you.  

Questions &Inquiries? Send me a message on  FB or Gmail: jakepositive@gmail.com . Twitter: @jake_positive MY HELPLINE NUMBERS SUN:09323298893 , GLOBE:09278230300

FOR ILOILO CITY

FREE VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING FOR HIV @ WESTERN VISAYAS MEDICAL CENTER – HACT OFFICE, MANDURRIAO, ILOILO CITY, WEEKDAYS 8AM-3PM. QUESTIONS&INQUIRIES? Send me a message on  FB or Gmail: jakepositive@gmail.com . MY HELPLINE NUMBERS SUN:09323298893 , GLOBE:09278230300

JaKe Positive. BE SAFE! +)

HIV HOME TEST KIT

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last July 3, 2012 that is has approved the first over the counter HIV test kit that allows Americans to test, in the privacy of their own homes, whether they are infected with HIV.

The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test detects the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2).

It is the first rapid diagnostic test for any infectious disease that the FDA has approved for sale over the counter.

The kit, from OraSure Technologies of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is an over the counter version of a test used by trained technicians in clinical settings that the FDA approved in 2004.

The user takes an oral swab, and places it in a specially prepared vial that comes with the kit. The result is ready in 20 to 40 minutes.

The kit is not as reliable as getting tested by a trained clinician.

A positive result does not necessarily mean that the user is definitely infected with HIV, but that they should then go and get themselves tested in a medical setting to confirm the result.

Similarly, a negative result does not necessarily mean the user is definitely not infected: particularly if they are still in the so called "WINDOW PERIOD" wherein they are infected with the virus within the first 3months.

The idea is not for the home test kit to replace medical testing, but to provide another route for people to find out their HIV status.

As per Department of Health here in the Philippines they disagree with this kind of option.

I do agree with what they have to say.

As per RA 8504

ARTICLE III

Testing, Screening and Counseling

SEC. 19.   Accreditation of HIV Testing Centers – All testing centers, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offering HIV testing services are mandated to seek accreditation from the Department of Health which shall set and maintain reasonable accreditation standards.

SEC. 20.   Pre-test and Post-test Counseling – All testing centers, clinics, or laboratories which perform any HIV test shall be required to provide and conduct free pre-test counselling and post-test counseling for persons who avail of their HIV/AIDS testing services. However, such counseling services must be provided only by persons who meet the standards set by the DOH.

SEC. 21.   Support for HIV Testing Centers – The Department of Health shall strategically build and enhance the capabilities for HIV testing of hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other testing centers primarily, by ensuring the training of competent personnel who will provide such services in said testing sites.

ARTICLE VII
Discriminatory Acts and Policies
SEC. 42.   Penalties for Discriminatory Acts and Policies – All discriminatory acts and policies referred to this Act shall be punishable with a penalty of imprisonment for six (6) months to four (4) years and a fine not exceeding Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00). In addition, licenses/permits of schools, hospitals and other institutions found guilty for committing discriminatory acts and policies described in this Act shall be revoked.

A disadvantage of choosing a home kit for HIV testing is that a doctor not only will be unable to help individuals understand the results, but that individuals will also be unable to seek counseling as easily. Counseling can help individuals prepare for a test, gain understanding, and teach them how to cope after they have been given their results. Post-test counseling is beneficial as not only will an individual learn about living with the virus, but he or she will have support through a counselor if there is no other location that he or she can obtain support from. In addition, post-test counseling can help prevent further individuals from being infected.  

Also the availability of Services, Support Groups and other Organizations that could help out the person are there but what is the use if the person is not aware of it.

Again this is JaKe Positive! BE SAFE! +)

TRUVADA as a PrEP

The ever controversial ARV medication TRUVADA has just been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people who are at risk of catching HIV.

What TRUVADA looks like

 Tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) a product of Gilead Sciences, is a fixed-dose combination of two antiretroviral drugs used for the treatment of HIV. It consists of 300 milligrams of tenofovir and 200 milligrams of emtricitabine. By combining the two agents into one tablet, it reduces the pill burden and increases compliance with antiretroviral therapy.

The drug has been examined for use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection. A Cochrane review found that both tenofovir alone, as well as the tenofovir/emtricitabine combination, significantly decreased the risk of contracting HIV. The Food and Drug Administration approved it for prophylactic use on July 16, 2012. Truvada was developed by Gilead Sciences and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2004.

In certain studies, the drug has demonstrated rare side effects including: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite and diarrhea, liver and kidney toxicity and loss of bone density.

HOWEVER there are drawbacks to this kind of medication.
Since it is an ARV the drug needs to be taken at a specific time of the day.
This would encourage unsafe sex practices since they would be relying on the drug.
This drugs is expensive and the government might not have enough budget to purchase it.
This drug can pose serious side effects and considering it is given to healthy individuals.

IN THE END, 

PREVENTION IS STILL BETTER THAN CURE

Healthcare Workers can provide options for the people who want to access the drug but also they need to remind them that still the safe way to avoid HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infection is to avoid doing risky behaviors and follow the ABC's of PREVENTION.

Abstinence

Be faithful / Mutual Monogamous Relationship between non-infected partners

Correct & Consistent Condom Use 

Don’t use shared needles or syringes / abuse drugs and alcohol 

Education / Early Detection & Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Again This is JaKe Positive. BE SAFE! +)



SOURCE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenofovir/emtricitabine

ADVOCACY

It's been a year since I started my ADVOCACY for HIV and AIDS.

This has been my LIFE, my DEVOTION.

I made this to INCREASE the AWARENESS about HIV and AIDS and CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS.

I want reach out to other People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and assure them that THERE IS LIFE after diagnosis.

I want to ERADICATE STIGMA and DISCRIMINATION .

I want to show to them that even someone with a medical profession can acquire the VIRUS. NOBODY IS IMMUNE.

I want to correct that it's NOT ABOUT PROMISCUITY but how you PRACTICE SAFE SEX.

I want them to LOOK IN THE MIRROR and say "It Could Be ME" and STOP DENYING and GET TESTED if they have doubts.

I ENCOURAGE EARLY TESTING since it has a lot of advantages if you are diagnosed at an early stage.

And for someone who looses HOPE. All I can say is WE ARE HERE FOR A REASON. Not everybody was given A SECOND CHANCE. If we feel PAIN then let's not keep it to our self and also know that there are family and friends that can help you out. The BATTLE is NEVER over, It is just beginning but you are not alone in this fight. We are together with this and forever will be.

Enjoy life for you only have it once. Say "I LOVE YOU" to the one's you love. Give yourself a tap on the shoulder and say "YOU HAVE DONE WELL". Value relationships for as you know your family and firends also value you. Be thankful for the air you breathe because others have been unfortunate and they depend on oxygen tanks and volume respirators to help them stay alive. Be thankful for what you eat because in other countries people don't get to eat three times a day. Don't be materialistic since you won't be bringing them anyway when you die.

LIVE LIFE!

JaKePositive IS GONNA STAY FOREVER...not going anywhere...

Again this is JaKePositive. BE SAFE!  +)

What's Your HIV Status ?

 

KNOWING 

YOUR HIV STATUS

GIVES YOU 

THE ADVANTAGE:

If Tested Reactive (Positive) :

> Knowing that you tested Positive, you have the choice to modify your lifestyle into a healthy one.

> There are effective treatment to maintain your health and live a healthy life.

> It makes you became more aware and cautious and will be able to be responsible not to transmit it to the people you love.

If Tested Non-reactive (Negative) :

>  With proper knowledge you will be able to maintain and be consistent to practice safe sex.

>  It can also spare you a lot of unnecessary worrying and stress that often occurs when someone's uncertain about their status. 

  
Should I get tested for HIV?

Getting tested is recommended if any of the following apply to you:

• You should be tested at least once a year if you are sexually active, particularly with three or more sexual partners in the last 12 months.   

• You had a possible exposure to HIV either through vaginal or anal intercourse without the use of a condom or have been involved in any other risky sexual behavior.

• You have shared/reused needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids), or for body piercing, tattooing, or any other reason.

• You are a health care worker who's had a work-related accident such as direct exposure to blood or have been stuck with a needle or other object. 

• You are uncertain about your sexual partner's risk behaviors or your sexual partner has tested positive for HIV. 

• You are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant. 

• You have had certain illnesses including TB (tuberculosis), or an STI (sexually transmitted infection), such as syphilis or herpes.

• You have any reason to be uncertain about your HIV status.

If you have engaged in behaviors that have put you at risk of becoming infected with HIV, you may also have been exposed to other STIs. Some of these can be quite serious and require immediate treatment, such as syphilis or hepatitis C virus (HCV). If you are being tested for HIV you should also discuss with your healthcare provider whether you are at risk and should be tested for these STIs.

What is VCT?

VOLUNTARY COUNSELING and TESTING (VCT)

Here in the Philippines HIV Testing is only VOLUNTARY.

You cannot force a person if he/she doesn't want to get tested for HIV.

VCT should be done in a separate room where only the counselor and the patient can talk privately.

All information gathered are CONFIDENTIAL.

VCT must be accompanied by pre- and post-test counseling and should be done by a trained HIV counselor.

In Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), an individual who is already aware of his/her risk, volunteers to be counseled and tested .

An individual who wants to be tested for HIV should first be provided  with PRE-TEST COUNSELING, consisting of the following:

1. EDUCATION
2. RISK ASSESSMENT
3. TESTING PROCEDURE
4. CONSENT
5. PLANS

When this is done, a screening test will be conducted. At present, the most commonly used test nis the ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY or ELISA. It can detect HIV antibody in the blood. If the individual tests Positive, another ELISA will be conducted. If the Result is still Positive, a Confirmatory Test (WESTERN BLOT) will be conducted. An individual will only be declared HIV-Positive after (2) Positive ELISA Test and (1) Positive Western Blot Test. In some cases, the confirmatory test would yield an "indeterminate result".

PRE-TEST COUNSELING is given, regardless of the result. If the result is non-reactive (negative), the post-test counseling highlights the need to practice preventive measures. The individual will also be encouraged to repeat the test if needed. If the result is positive, the post test counseling provides the individual with treatment options and psychological support.

If the test is inconclusive or intermediate, the client would be given advice on how to prevent transmission and encouraged to repeat the test, if needed.

HIV Testing Facilities are usually available at:

• SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS
• DOH-LICENSED OFW CLINICS
• ACCREDITED HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE)
• TREATMENT HUBS (SAN LAZARO HOSPITAL, RITM, etc..)

Below is a list of testing centers where you can avail HIV TESTING:

LUZON

Angeles Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Lucielle Ayuyao - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: 1-20 Cristina Drive, Villa Teresa Subd. Angeles City / (045) 3222979 Mobile # 0915-9872100

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)
Dr. Manuel C. Factora - Medical Center Chief; Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Gov. Pack Rd. Baguio City /(074) 4423165; 4424080; 5236077; 5234103; 4428342 Mobile # 09175072326

Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC)
Dr. Emmanuel F. Acluba - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Teresita Reyes - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao City / (078) 3213561 – 64; 3213560;8053560 Mobile #: 09176280924

Caloocan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Zenaida Calupaz - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Mabini St. Calocan Health Dept. / 2888811 local 2281 Mobile # 09176018331

Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Dr. Remigio M. Olveda - Executive Director; Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco - Head, HIV Research Unit / Add: Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City / 8072628 -32; 8072636; 8097599; 8422245; 8072628 local 414 /208 Mobile # 0927510028

Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) Satellite Clinic
Add: 1850, Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila Tel: 353-8922 Clinic Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 11:00AM - 5:30PM, Sunday - 9:00AM - 2:00PM, CLOSED DURING TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY. 

Laoag Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Imelda Tamayo - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Brgy. 10, City Health Office, Tupaz, Laoag City / (077) 7720289 Mobile # 09189797491

Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital (BRTTH)
Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Anna Lynda Bellen Add: Legaspi City, Albay / (052) 4830017; 4830886; 4830015 Mobile #: 09177935692

Makati City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Calixto Salud - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: JP Rizal St. Brgy. :Poblacion, Makati City / 8701615

Mandaluyong City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Yolanda Tuaño - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City / 5467799; 2115336 Mobile #: 09178424298

Manila Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Diane Mendoza - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: San Lazaro, Sta. Cruz, Manila / 7116942 Mobile #: 0920-5779074

Marikina City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Honielyn Fernando - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Marikina City / Mobile #: 09178298862

Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Loretta Garcia - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Pasay City Health Office / 5514180 Mobile #: 09228915674

Pasig City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rocylene Roque - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Caruncho Avene. Brgy. San Nicolas, Pasig City / 6400111

Puerto Galera Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ginalyn Caguete - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Rural Health Clinic, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro / (043) 4420182 Mobile #: 09272383989

Puerto Princesa Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Eunice Herrera - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Puerto Princesa, Palawan / (043) 4658182 Mobile #: 09272383989

Batasan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Dottie Mercado - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Batasan Hills, Quezon City / Mobile #: 09053576353

Bernardo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Suzette Encisa - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Bernardo Clinic, Quezon City / Mobile #: 09164781607

Project 7 Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Monina Santos - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Project 7 , Quezon City / Mobile #: 09186184133

San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)
Dr. Arturo Cabanban - Medical Center Chief; Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan – Abrenica - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / 3099528-29; 7438301 local 6000 Mobile #: 09175359380

Ilocos Training and regional Medical Center (ITRMC)
Dr. Francisco A. Valdez - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Jimmy Mynardo Mendigo - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: San Fernando, La Union / (072) 7001766; 7003766 Mobile #: 09204124478

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Venancio S. Banzon - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Edwin Pasumbal - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Brgy. San Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga / (045) 961392; 9613380 Mobile #: 09274040365

Santiago Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Robelyn Vera Go - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician Add: City Health Office, San Andres, Santiago City / (078) 6827687 Mobile #: 09194626389

Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC)
Dr. Christine Villaroman / Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manlia / Mobile #: 09228245216

MEDI - Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Ma. Luisa M. Date / Add: Bldg. 14, DOH compound Sta. Cruz, Manila / 7438301 local 1702

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo - Director; Dr. Jodor Lim - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader; Ms. Dominga C. Gomez SAGIP Unit / Add: Taft Avenue, Manila / 5261705; 5673394 Mobile #: 09396258730

Tuguegarao Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Josefina Chua - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Tugegarao City / (078) 8462197 Mobile 09175745050

VISAYAS

Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center (VSSMC)
Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Regina Melodia - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: B. Rodriguez, Cebu City / (032) 2539882; 2539982; 2537564; 2532592 Mobile #: 09193473658

Cebu City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ilya Tac –an - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Gen. Maxilano St. Cebu City / (022 3659962 Mobile #: 09173291663

Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Odetta Villaruel - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician Address: Iloilo City (033) 3208151 Mobile #: 09215694450

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Dr. Epifania S. Simbul - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Criselda E. Bacolor - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Lacson St. Bacolod City / (034) 4351591;4332697; 2080094 Mobile #: 09228608876

Lapu-Lapu Ciy Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rodolfo C. Berame - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

Mandaue City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Edna Seno and Dr. Debra Maria Catulong - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)
Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Ray Celis - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Manduriao St. Iloilo City / (033) 3211797; 3212802; 3211420; 3212841 to 50 Mobile #: 09189401217

MINDANAO

Butuan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jesus Chin- Chui - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Butuan City / (085) 3423432; 815111 local 1039

Davao City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jordana Ramitere - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Magallanes St. Davao City / (222) 4187 Mobile #: 09209102718

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) (Note: former Davao Medical Center DMC )
Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Alicia Layug - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: JP Laurel St. Bajada, Davao City / (227) 2731 Mobile #: 09204241721

Davao Regional Hospital
Ms. Telesfora A Hinay - Add: Apokon, Tagum City / (082) 2218593;2279536; 4003653;

General Santos Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Mely Lastimoso - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: General Santos City Hospital / (083) 3051510 Mobile #: 09088877512; 09198483116

Zamboanga Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr Kibtiya Uddin - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Petit Barracks, Zone 4C, Cty Health Office, Zamboanga City / Mobile #: 09274836672

Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)
Dr. Romeo A. Ong - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Jejunee Rivera - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Zamboanga City / (062) 9910573; 9912934; 9920154 Mobile #: 09204241721




IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES YOU CAN E-MAIL ME @ jakepositive@gmail.com, FB: www.facebook.com/jakepositive , HELPLINE: 09278230300/09323298893




SOURCE:
http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/HIVtests_4720.shtml
http://couragephilippines.blogspot.com/2011/07/hiv-testing-centers-in-philippines.html
BASIC STI, HIV and AIDS EDUCATION MODULE by PNAC

	Again this is JaKePositive. BE SAFE! +)