HIV/AIDStransmission, prognosis, and social issues

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

What have you heard about HIV/AIDS?

What do you think culture/the media's perception about HIV/AIDS is?

-VIDEO-

• HIV = human immunodeficiency virus• virus that caused AIDS

• People who have HIV may not have any symptoms, and may not realize they are infected

What is HIV?

1. blood to blood contact

2. sexual intercourse o oral, vaginal, or anal

3. infected women to her child o before, during or after birtho (through breast milk)

4. NO LONGER A PROBLEM: Blood Transfusions

• HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED THROUGH CASUAL CONTACTo the virus must enter the blood for infection to occur

Transmission of HIV

• flu-like symptoms• swollen glands• diarrhea• night sweats• weight loss• fatigue• yeast infections• pneumonia• cancer

• ...or no symptoms at all!

HIV Symptoms

• HIV attacks T-cellso type of cells in the immune systemo makes it difficult for the body to fight

disease

• When the 'T-cell count' falls below 200, the person is diagnosed with AIDSo even if it goes up again, they remain

diagnosed with AIDS

HIV to AIDS

• Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDSo prevention is the only alternative

• Prevention is mostly related to o 1. Sexual intercourse

Abstinence Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner Correct and consistent use of latex condoms

• does not eliminate risk of infectiono 2. The use of injection drugs

Sharing needles or syringes provides a direct route for the virus to enter the bloodstream

• Alcohol and other drugs increases the risk of infection because it impairs the ability to make good decisions about sex and risky drug use

HIV Prevention

• Pregnant women can be tested for HIVo if they test positive, medications can be taken to greatly reduce the

likelihood of passing it on to the baby

• Free or low-cost & anonymous or confidential testing at a clinic or doctor's office

• Home-test kits are also availableo Counseling is vitally important for people who are HIV positive

Early treatment & positive health behaviors are essential for remaining in good health and prolonging life

HIV Testing

• Drug cocktailso antiretroviral medications o combination of medications

• Very complex regimenso side effects

• Cause of death in AIDS patients:o opportunistic infections

HIV Management

AIDS Quilt 1996

Question: What are 3 CURRENT modes of transmission of HIV?

Journal: Share a thought about the material covered in class today

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