‘COMMON FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR A HIV PATIENT’

1. PROTEINS

Builds and repairs the body. (Eggs, meat, fish, beans, milk, soya beans and groundnuts)

2. CARBOHYDRATES

Gives energy to the body (Rice, yam, cassava, potatoes, corn, bread, millet) 3. FATS AND OIL

Gives extra energy to the body and helps joints, skin and hair. (Palm and vegetable oil, butter)

4. VITAMINS AND MINERALS

These protects the body. (Vegetables such as cabbage, pumpkin leaves, spinach,tomatoes,ewedu, and fruits like oranges, mangoes,banana, paw-paw, avocado, apple, garden eggs, pineapples, guava etc.)

CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV

Just follow these simple guidelines;

a. Make sure that your home is always clean. Bathe daily and wash clothes regularly.

b. Eat well balanced meals every day.

c. If diarrhea occurs, drink plenty of fluid especially sugar-salt solution and see a doctor if it continues.

d. Treat infections promptly by visiting the hospital.

e. Go for regular checkups.

f. If mouth sores come, avoid any food that will worsen it make sure balanced food is eaten to give the body necessary nutrients and avoid weight loss.

g. If you are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) make sure you take the treatment as advised in the clinic.

THRUSH
Thrush (candida) is a yeast infection. It is often a sign of low immunity when someone is HIV positive. It shows in the mouth with white spots on the gums and the sides of the tongue and redness on the mouth. This cause pain when eating and swallowing.

Thrush can be also occur in the vagina and in the bowel. It usually makes you feel weaker. Chew garlic, swallow it or insert it in vagina three times a day to help control the infection. Visit a health clinic for advice.

We are all brothers and sisters.HIV positive persons often find out that they are rejected by their communities and sometimes even by their families. Anyone can get HIV no matter who they are. Even babies can be infected. We must all do what we can to help and support HIV positive Nigerians. You can’t be infected with HIV from caring.