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
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