In 1986, when the first HIV case was reported, being told that one was infected with HIV was like handing out a death sentence to that individual. Not only was there barely enough information, there was no preventive medicine and we were told there was no cure. Fifteen years down the line, there is still no cure but infected persons don’t have to die anymore as the introduction of anti-retro-viral (ARV) drugs have helped to keep infected persons alive.

AIDS is thought to be caused by the human immune deficiency virus HIV. The virus destroys the body’s infection fighting T-cells. After exposure to the virus, 3 to 6 months will elapse before tests show evidence that anti-bodies to the virus have or have not developed in the blood. Until then, test reads HIV negative. Early symptoms appear as flu and may take 7 to 11 years to develop.

I was in company of a friend of mine, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Oluyombo Oyekunle, nee Mabogunje, recently at the Island Maternity, Lagos when she asked me if I know what my HIV status was. I told her I do and that it was negative. Then, she asked me how long I had an HIV test to which I answered a year ago. She then encouraged me to have another one and that there was no harm in being sure that I was still negative. I did and guess what? Well, I will tell you the result at the end of this article. But, whatever I tell you, trust me, I have chosen to handle it well.

World AIDS Day offers us the opportunity to unite to encourage our human brothers and sistersPLWHVAthat is, People Living With HIV/AIDS, to deal with the day-to-day reality of dealing with this disease.

Even though it is one of the most tricky colours to wear, yellow is big this season with looks in belts, shoes, dresses, tops and even pants. You can be very stylish with yellow as long as you know how to coordinate this bright color with the rest of your outfit. The key to wearing yellow well is not over doing it.