Despite advances in research, the fight against AIDS continues. Guest of the morning radio, this Monday, March 27, Dr. Isabelle Monchotte recalled the importance of screening. An effective means of prevention to save lives and prevent the transmission of HIV.
Forty years after the discovery of AIDS, new infections are still recorded in New Caledonia every year. A dozen new cases have been identified since last year, half of them locally. In total, nearly 300 people live with HIV every day. “It is a poorly understood infection, for which there are not enough screening.” According to Isabelle Monchotte, doctor and sexologist, two explanations: “invisibility and fear”.
HIV is indeed a silent sexually transmitted infection (STI). “There are no signs, that’s the problem. HIV can remain silent for five, ten, fifteen years.” However, Isabelle Monchotte, also vice-president of the Solidarité Sida NC association, specifies that in certain situations, there can be a viral syndrome. “Nose glands, fever, lingering angina… If this is the case, it is necessary to consult. But often, health professionals forget to make the link between this viral infection and sexual risks, that is to say, say unprotected penetrative sex.”
The virus can affect anyone. “Every sexually active person can get HIV. We are all concerned. It can happen in just one sexual encounter and at any age.”. Hence the importance of getting tested, by addressing: “to their attending physician, or in dispensaries with doctors and midwives who know how to do and who are trained. And then there is also the Solidarité Sida NC association on 24 15 17.”
How is HIV testing done? “It can be a blood test at the fingertip as for diabetes, or by a blood test with more efficient fourth-generation tests. We also screen by a vaginal or urine sample. In women, there is also the smear”.
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