Positive people with low CD4 counts are advised to boil or filter drinking water. One of our readers sent in information of a water filter that doesn’t need to be connected to your mains supply and doesn’t cost a fortune. Breville Aqua Fountain is no more difficult to operate than switching on an electric kettle.

The leaflet that accompanies the product states that it has a micro-fine 0.5 micron carbon block filter that filters out cysts (Cryptosopondium & Giardia) and other contaminants that can cause bad taste, odour and harmful health effects. Common contaminants include Chlorine, Lindane (a common pesticide), Atrazine ( a common herbicide) Lead< Mercury and Calcium (Limescale)

The water filter has an electronic safety monitor telling when to replace the filter. It has a removable jug with hinged lid that holds up to 2.75 litres of water ready to be filtered. There is an auto-flow and a cancel button. Simply pressing a button dispenses the desired amount of filtered water.

You can purchase these from local domestic electrical retailers like Comet or directly from Dreamland Alliances Ltd 0161 652 1211 (They can give you up to date prices, inclusive of VAT, postage & packaging