Message from the “Angel of Pattaya”

He continues to update his knowledge in providing the best AntiRetroViral (ARV) treatments to many Thais and non-Thai. The National public and private insurance schemes do cover free most of the drugs needed by the patients and / or co-infections, but not all, which is one of the reasons the good doctor’s work is needed. During the recent PGF World AIDS Day Extravaganza at The Venue showbar in Jomtien, SPICE! chatted with Dr. Seur as he wanted to give a message to the Gay community who has supported his efforts for many years as he is the major benefactor of the funds raised by the PGF.

"People should admit and have courage enough to face the problem, get a test by consulting with a physician in order to get appropriate and now recommended to begin earlier treatments. Some people are afraid to admit that they have a problem. There is still not yet a definitive cure for HIV-AIDS Disease, this infection is however treatable with ARV and now people can keep or get back to their normal lives with better and more convenient ARV medicines. If patients take medicine regularly and properly, HIV is not multiplying and causing damage as before. If a patient stops taking medicine or takes medicine irregularly, HIV will once again activate and become resistant or unresponsive to treatments which the doctor needs then to change."

The most recent guidelines suggest to start ARV treatments sooner and not let the body immune cell counts get so low, so you need to get a special blood test (CD4) as you would not know if your cell counts are down. Most HIV patients are ashamed to admit, especially since it may carry a social stigma with some people in the community. They will consult a doctor when their symptoms are getting serious… and getting sometimes incurable. Most people die from "opportunistic" diseases caused by a lowered deficient immune system. If you have questions you can email the doctor or in Bangkok there is anonymous HIV testing and STD (sexually transmitted disease) screenings at the Thai Red Cross (redcross.or.th) located within walking distance of the Ratchadamri sky train station (walk back towards Silom on the right-hand side of the street). Confidential (NOT anonymous) tests are also available at all major hospitals and can be added to your Expat check-up if you’re a medical tourist.

Another important thing to remember is HIV patients are strongly suggested to avoid using any drugs because some drugs can cause body immune system to be lowered in which a disease can easily activate. Responsible condom use remains the best prophylactic measure. If a condom breaks, a Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP treatment) is to be taken within 3 days: a 4 weeks course of ARV treatment to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV infection is needed. Those who believe they may be at risk due to a broken condom accident should go for a blood test and follow it up with the PEP treatment, which greatly minimizes the chance of becoming infected. "Condoms are still the best way to deal with HIV and other sexual diseases transmissions"

For further information, visit www.heartt2000.org or you can send an email for advice to Dr. Seur at: philippe.seur@gmail.com