What is HIV and AIDS? Fact vs. Fiction

Bellringer: What are some myths you have heard about HIV/AIDS? Source: http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?article=332

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system HIV is the virus that eventually develops into AIDS AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AIDS is a disease in which the body’s immune system is severely compromised and is therefore unable to fight off infections Persons with AIDS will eventually die since there is NO cure

What are some of the symptoms associated with having HIV? Abdominal pain Chest pain Cough Depression; with suicidal thoughts Blurred vision Fatigue Fever Headache Night sweats Rashes Shortness of Breath Sore throat Vomiting Diarrhea Weight loss Failure to thrive in infants Recurring respiratory issues

Table Partner Questions Given the symptoms of HIV from the previous slide, why might it be difficult for a doctor to diagnose a person with HIV? Why might the symptoms cause a problem for someone who is initially infected with HIV?

After contracting the virus, how many years before symptoms become noticeable? It could be up to 5 to 10 years before symptoms present themselves.

Table Partner Question 3. Why might this delay between infection and the beginnings of symptoms be a problem for someone who has contracted HIV?

How can a person contract HIV? Through sexual contact (70% of cases) Contact with infected blood From mother to infant around the time of birth Through breastfeeding Intravenous drug use (sharing of needles)

Table Partner Question How can a person avoid contracting HIV?

What are some long-term effects of HIV/AIDS? The long-term effects of HIV include: Autoimmune disorders Different types of cancer Vision impairments Meningitis Pneumonia Premature death – dying before you should Respiratory infections and tuberculosis

Table Partner Question 4. Given the information from this PowerPoint, what do you think a person with HIV should NOT do?

What are 4 things a person with HIV/AIDS should NOT do? Besides having unprotected sex, a person with HIV should not donate the following: Blood Body organs Plasma Sperm

HIV/AIDS in Africa 70%

Table Partner Questions: 5. Why might people living in Africa have a greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS? 6. Why might a person infected with HIV have a difficult time managing the virus?

HIV in America - 2011

Besides taking medication, what could some with HIV/AIDS do to manage the disease? A person with HIV should also: Make regular visits to their healthcare provider Eat a healthy diet Get plenty of rest and sleep Join a support group Use relaxation therapy & other stress management techniques

Magic Johnson and HIV Magic Johnson has been living with HIV since his diagnosis in 1991. Why has Magic Johnson not developed full blown AIDS? What makes him different than others who suffer with HIV or AIDS?

HIV in America - 2011

How long must someone with HIV/AIDS receive treatment? A person with HIV/AIDS will need to receive treatment for their rest of their lives.