Q. I am very depressed after being diagnosed with HIV, will I ever be able to live a normal life?
Ans. Being diagnosed with HIV can be shocking, and incredibly upsetting but your anxiety is more because you have all the wrong, incomplete and outdated information about HIV. Most people feel that their life is finished but by taking treatment with qualified and experienced HIV expert, everyone diagnosed with HIV can live normal life. We conduct a detailed counselling session with Dr Alok Vashishtha on patient’s first visit and their all queries and concerns are addressed in a very professional and non judgemental way.
Q. My relatives/friend will be coming with me, I have not told them about my disease but they want to come along with me to your centre, how my disease confidentiality will be maintained?
Ans. We give prime importance to maintain confidentiality of our patients. First only patient is allowed to enter doctor’s cabin, we have detailed interaction with patient and after that with patient’s permission only we allow attendants to come in. Patient’s status is disclosed only to the person of his/her choice. Then in very professional manner we have all discussion so that their concerns are taken care of and confidentiality is also maintained.
Q. How long do we need to stay for first consultation at Haridwar?
Ans. Most patients go back on same day and need not stay overnight. Please try to reach between 10 am to 11 am for your first consultation as first visit includes detailed counselling and discussion.
Q. What kind of medicines are prescribed by you?
Ans. The only effective available treatment against HIV is available with Allopathic medicines. Although various quacks make tall claims of treatment with Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Naturopathic medicines but it is not true. So we advise you not to fall prey to them.
Q. Do medicines prescribed by you have any side effects?
Ans. Latest medicines available are safe, easy to take and have very fewer side effects. However with experienced HIV expert they can be managed very effectively.
Q. How long people can live with these medicines?
Ans. Research has proven if these medicines are taken under HIV specialist, then patients can live healthy and productive life. In fact with quality care person taking correct treatment can have a life expectancy that approaches normal.
Q. I am diagnosed HIV positive but my spouse is HIV negative, how can he/she remain negative?
Ans. We have a fair number of such couples. We have special strategy for these couples so that they can live like any other couple, while keeping other partner negative. Several studies have confirmed that after effective treatment once virus become undetectable then it reduces the risk of transmitting virus to effectively zero, notably during sexual activity and pregnancy.
Q. Can we have a child?
Ans. Women living with HIV can give birth without passing on HIV to the baby. Your option for conception will depend on your health and your partner’s HIV status. Correct treatment strategy, good obstetric care and appropriate infant feeding practices are necessary to have favourable outcome.
Q. I had unsafe sexual relation just now/yesterday/sometime back and worried about contracting HIV?
Ans. Yes, we can help you by providing Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV, (if indicated) after taking detailed history of the incident. So get in touch with our online consultation link with specific mention that needs consultation for PEP. We will conduct a consultation for you as soon as possible.