Expert: Terry B - 7/27/2006

Question
I wrote before about my friend going to a clinic and worried if they tried to inject her because she is black and stuff lately she's been having a vaginal discharge i would like to know if its a sgn of hiv symptoms  

Answer
Dear Vanessa:

Peace and all good things.  I assume that you are an earlier "Mary" who wrote privately, said her friend was being abused, cited a specific clinic by name and provided a link to a controversy about a nurse claiming racism.  

In my private response, I provided you with a link for more information (www.thebody.com) and strong recommendation that your friend followup immediately with a health provider; for the good of the greater public I will include some of that information again.

Priorities:

1)   You stated your friend was being abused by a family member.  If your friend is in danger of abuse, or if abuse has occured, please contact your local social service provider and help provide her whatever safety she needs.

2)   Your friend should be evaluated by a competent health professional to determine what the problem might be.

Have your friend call or visit a local HIV/AIDS advocacy group or voluntary counseling and testing site.  They can help her understand her risks, test her for HIV or advise her on the reputation of the (clinic name deleted) testing site, and refer her for evaluation of the "spots" on her face (or vaginal discharge, which you refer to in this letter).  If she is unsure about the first clinic where she was evaluated, she should find another provider, and again, I recommend consulting with your local AIDS advocacy organization for recommendation.  If her exposure is very recent, testing for the virus (qualitative PCR) is more helpful than antibody (ELISA) testing.  

3)  The claim of racism and controversy (for which you provided a link earlier) was leveled by a nurse who is being discharged - not necessarily meaning it is not possible, but the clinic you cited has a strong reputation and international programs.  Following the case and checking with your AIDS Service programs may help address that issue, but the priority is your friend getting the care and information she needs.

I hope this is helpful, and again wish the best to you and your friend.  

Terry B.