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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 23, 2016)
6 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2016 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Tell family about HIV DEAR DR. ROACH: Can a per- son who has AIDS cook for his or her family and loved ones without fear of getting them sick? How long does it take to die once you are diag- nosed with AIDS? How does some- one with AIDS die? — D.R. ANSWER: HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is acquired usually through sexual contact, exposure to contaminated blood or passed from mother to child. There has never been a reported case where a person was infected through casual contact, such as sharing eating uten- sils or using the same bathroom. HIV has never been reported as being transmitted through saliva, tears or sweat. It isn’t transmitted by insects, either. However, it’s not rec- ommended to share razors or tooth- brushes, since these can be contami- nated by blood. The progression of disease caused by HIV is highly variable. There SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A misunderstanding tests the tempera- ment of the sometimes headstrong Aries. Instead of blowing your top, take time for a pleasant diversion while things cool down. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A workplace problem could make the divine Bovine see red. But talk it out before you consider walking out. Some surprising facts emerge that change your earlier focus. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You face a choice between ignoring your uneasy feelings about your relationship with that special person and demanding explanations. A close friend offers wise counsel. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A often is a fever and flulike symptoms at the time of first infection. Most people will test positive by the usual blood test within a few months of becoming infected. People with HIV often remain without symptoms for years; however, the virus continues to replicate and destroy CD4 cells, a key regulator of the immune system, during this time. The term “AIDS” is reserved for advanced HIV infection with a spe- cific, defining illness, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia; or a CD4 count below 200 (normal is around 1,000). As far as prognosis goes, the most important single factor is whether a person with HIV infection is pre- scribed (and properly takes!) appro- priate treatment. There certainly are many people who have had HIV for over 20 years without getting AIDS. With very advanced HIV infec- tion, the immune system is unable to fight off infections, but also, the body cannot fight off cancer. Since people with HIV can live so long, heart disease and any other cause is possible. Very often, people die with, not from, their HIV. For people living with HIV and who haven’t told their family, I rec- ommend doing so. I know it’s com- plex, and it may not be right for everybody, but it will help relieve stress for most. DEAR DR. ROACH: My hus- band has Meniere’s disease. We can- not find anyone who can help him. Is there any medication for this? — L.M. ANSWER: Meniere’s disease causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus and eventually hearing loss. It is caused by swelling in the organ of balance in the inner ear, but the rea- son for the swelling isn’t clear. Before being seen by a doctor, your husband can try to identify trig- gers for the attacks. Common trig- gers include a high-salt diet, tobacco, alcohol and stress. A low-salt diet can dramatically reduce episodes. ENT doctors are usually expert in treating Meniere’s disease. A diuret- ic such as hydrochlorothiazide often is used if diet alone doesn’t help. The booklet on vertigo explains this disruptive condition in detail and outlines its treatment. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 801W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. change you’d been hoping for carries an unexpected complication. Stay the course, and things will work themselves out. Be sure to make time for family and friends. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Aspects favor spending time with loved ones. On the job, new ideas are generally wel- comed. But some demands for changes could cause problems. Be ready to defend your choices. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Good news: That workplace prob- lem is close to being resolved with results that should please everyone. Take time off to indulge your love of fun and games. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Most of the time you are the most unflappable person around. But be ready to be thrown off-balance in the nicest way when Cupid takes aim in your direction. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) It’s not often when someone tries to “sting” the sharp-witted Scorpion. But it can happen. Continue to be skeptical about anything that seems too good to be true. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your strong sense of self-esteem helps you serve as a role model for someone who needs personal reassurances. Your efforts pay off in an unexpected way. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone close considers revealing a painful secret. Withhold judgment. Instead, open your generous heart, and offer dollops of your love and understanding. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your talents as a peace- maker are called upon once more as an old problem re-emerges with new com- plications. Move cautiously in order to avoid falling into hidden traps. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your artistic side is enhanced with the reception given to your new project. Use this success as encouragement toward fulfilling your larger goals. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS