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AIDS/about early symptoms of HIV...
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Question
I apologize for asking this, but... do I feel like lots of people who claim to
have all the symptoms for possible early HIV infection get answers like "I
don't think you have HIV"?? I see this everywhere on the web, and also doctors
act this way, no matter what the symptoms are. Could you point me some
forums on the web where people were actually told "yes, you have symptoms
of early HIV infection"?
I don't want to criticize the wonderful work lots of people (like you) and
doctors are doing, I just wonder why there are so many people with Aids and
none is told they seem to have the symptoms... I just wonder if it's my
imagination.
Also, I posted a question like this somewhere else and the question was
deleted... so it made me think there's something wrong...
anyway, thank you for the great work and for your kindness answering our
questions!
HIV/AIDS cannot be diagnosed online. Anyone who has any unusual symptoms, whatever it may be from, should be instructed to see a doctor- not ask someone to give an online opinion. Symptoms of HIV are often times the same as symptoms for many other infections. It would be irresponsible to suggest that someone has symptoms of HIV online. The reason that so many people do not know their status is not because of online volunteers but because people do not get themselves tested. Being tested is the ONLY way one will know if they have HIV or not. Also, many people who write to online columns overreact to things and usually have not put themselves at any substantial risk for HIV.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 1 | Clarity of Response = 3 | Politeness = 1 |
| Comment | I think the expert sounds nervous and it seems like she points fingers, like blaming us for asking questions here.... so why is there a topic if we can't ask? She also says people shouldn't ask questions online, but see a doctor and get tested, as if I hadn't done it before, but I DID. I think before blaming someone, she could have at least ASKED if I did those things. Or maybe she should say things in a more polite way. I looked for someone who claims to be an online "EXPERT" because all the doctors I visited didn't say what I need to know. It seems like everybody is instructed not to talk about this topic. I also think that if certain kinds of questions can't be answered with the TRUTH, there should be no topics about them (like HIV / AIDS). WHy is there a forum with topics if the truth won't be said?????? Seems like hypocrisy.... but thanks anyway. | ||
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Kristen Brannock, MPH
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience
I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college.
I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.
Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health
Health Behavior and Health Education
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
(formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)
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