HIV and AIDS

HIV – human immunodeficiency virus attacks specific cells of the immune system disabling the body’s defenses against other pathogens. AIDS – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is when the immune system becomes severely disabled. This video below shows how HIV attacks the human body.

Stages of HIV Infection Asymptomatic Stage – during this stage the virus destroys the bodies T cells. People in this stage can infect others even though they feel fine because there is a lack of symptoms. Symptomatic Stage – in this stage the HIV infected person starts to experience symptoms such as weight loss, persistent fever, diarrhea or fungal infections. This could take up to 7-10 years to appear. AIDS – the onset of AIDS is usually marked by a very low number of T cells in the blood. Because the body’s ability to fight disease has been weakened by HIV, they are susceptible to infections that a healthy immune system could easily fight off. It is characterized by the appearance of one or more opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections – infections that attack a person with a weakened immune system. Examples: tuberculosis, fungal infections, pneumocystis pneumonia, Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of skin cancer)

Transmission of HIV There are 4 main ways that HIV spreads from person to person.  Sexual Contact – any form of sexual contact that involves contact with infected body fluids including vaginal, oral and anal sex.  Shared needles – sharing needles for tattoos, body piercings and injecting illegal drugs can put you at risk.  Contact with Blood – avoid contact with the blood of others. (open cuts or sores)  Mothers to Baby – during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding.

Myth Busters HIV is not transmitted by casual contact such as hugging, walking with, sitting by or eating lunch with an infected person. Saliva, tears and sweat contain such small amounts that infection from contact is not likely. Mosquitoes cannot spread HIV. Sharing bathrooms cannot spread HIV. HIV cannot live or reproduce on inanimate objects such as sinks and toilet seats.

Preventing HIV Infection  Practice Abstinence  Avoid Drugs and Alcohol  Avoid contact with blood or body fluids  Sexual fidelity – for people in marriages or long term relationships it is important that both partners agree to be monogamous (not to be with other people).  Barrier protection – condoms can serve as a physical barrier against HIV and other STD’s. They are not 100% effective. Testing for HIV A blood test is done to test for HIV antibodies. If detected, a second test is done to verify the result. A person who is diagnosed as being infected with HIV is said to be HIV-positive.

Treatment for HIV and AIDS There is no cure for HIV and AIDS but there are treatments that could slow the progress of the disease. The main goal of HIV treatment is to keep the person’s immune system functioning as close to normal as possible. The use of combination drug therapy is the most common treating for HIV today. This is known as Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy or HAART. Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep are important for people living with HIV. Support for those living with HIV may include counseling, healthcare services, and financial assistance.