HIV/ AIDS

What is HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiencey virus (HIV)- a virus that attacks the immune system. Finds and destroys the white blood cells that fight disease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)- a disease in which the immune system is weakened Deadliest disease in human history

25 million people around the world have died because of it Currently 40 million people worldwide have HIV/AIDS 12 million of the people who have HIV/AIDS are in the 15-24 7000 young people become infected everyday

Understanding HIV/AIDS HIV cannot live outside the human body It can not be spread through airborne transmission, casual contact or insect bites Sweat, Tears, or saliva do not have enough virus in it to be considered dangerous HIV is transmitted among humans only when one person’s infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions comes in contact with another person’s broken skin or mucous membranes.

Mucous Membranes Eyes Mouth Nose Vagina Rectum The opening of the penis

HIV is spread in 3 ways During sexual intercourse By sharing needles Enters the bloodstream People with STDs are more likely to get HIV By sharing needles From mother to baby Passes on through the umbilical cord, during child birth or through breast feeding

How HIV/AIDS affects the immune system HIV attacks the body’s immune system by destroying lymphocytes Kills B cells and T cells by infecting them and reproducing in them As more cells are destroyed the immune system becomes weaker

HIV’s stages to AIDS Asymptomatic stage Middle stage Can last for 10 years or more Virus is confined to the lymph nodes Middle stage Occurs in about 40-70% of patients Fever, headache, sore throat, rash, diarrhea, and enlarged lymph nodes

HIV’s stages continued Symptomatic stage Helper T cells fall to 200-400 per ml of blood Flu like symptoms, headache, fever, body aches, swollen glands, diminished appetite, weightloss, and skin rashes AIDS stage Helper T cells drop to less than 200 More AIDS opportunistic illnesses are present

Preventing HIV/AIDS Healthful behaviors to help protect you from infection Practice abstinence Do not share needles Avoid drug and alcohol use Use refusal skills when you feel pressure

Diagnosing HIV/AIDS Must be tested in: Doctors office Local health department Hospital HIV testing sites Typically a blood sample is needed or an oral specimen from the cheek and gum is collected

Types of Tests EIA (enzyme immunoassay) test- a test that screens for the presence of HIV antibodies Positive 2 times to move on to the next test Western Blot Test- a test that detects HIV antibodies and confirms the results of earlier EIA test

Benefits of early diagnosis Begin proper medical care early to slow the progress of the virus Avoid behaviors that could spread HIV Gain peace of mind when the results are negative

Treating HIV/AIDS Drugs have been developed that slow the growth of th HIV virus and treats some symptoms No drug exists to cure it HAART- highly active antiretroviral therapy used to slow the growth