HIV/AIDS

HIV infection HIV is the most serious incurable STI As of 2004, 1 million Americans were reported to be living with HIV 13 to 24-year-olds account for approximately 13% of HIV cases reported in the United States

HIV infection HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) HIV Attacks the immune system Disables the body’s defenses against pathogens

Hiv attacks the immune system Inside the body, HIV infects helper T cells T cells stimulate other cells of the immune system to produce antibodies against invading pathogens Inside of a T cell, HIV reproduces, killing the cell in the process The new viruses are released from the cell & move on to destroy over T cells

Stages of HIV infection Stage 1- Asymptomatic Stage Soon after exposure to HIV, an infected person may experience flu-like symptoms, which usually go away after a few weeks Many months or years may follow during which the person has no outward signs of the disease During this stage, the virus is destroying T cells

Stages of hiv infection Stage 2- Symptomatic Stage Weight loss Persistent fever Fungal infections Symptoms may not appear until 7 to 10 years after infection with HIV

Stages of hiv infection Stage 3- AIDS The onset of AIDS is usually marked by a very low number of T cells in the blood Experiencing more severe symptoms Body’s ability to fight disease has been weakened, so infected person is unable to fight off infections

Opportunistic infections The infections that attack a person with a weakened immune system are called opportunistic infections AIDS is characterized by the appearance of one or more Death is usually caused by opportunistic infections

Opportunistic infections Include: Tuberculosis Fungal infections Lung diseases Cancer (cervical & skin cancer) Virus attacks brain & nervous system Blindness Depression Mental deterioration

Transmission of hiv Individuals infected with HIV can pass the virus on to someone else through the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk There are four main ways that HIV spreads from person to person: Sexual contact Shared needles Contact with blood Mother to baby

Hiv & sexual contact HIV can be transmitted through any form of sexual contact with an infected person’s body fluids Infected fluids can enter a person’s bloodstream through sores or tiny cuts in the lining of the mouth, vagina, rectum or opening of the penis

Hiv & Shared needles HIV can be transmitted through shared needles or syringes that are contaminated with the blood of an infected person Sharing needles for tattoos or body piercings puts you at risk

Hiv & contact with blood HIV can be transmitted if a person has an open cut or sore that comes into contact with the blood or blood parts of an infected person

Hiv & mother to baby HIV can pass from an infected mother to her child, either during pregnancy or birth or breast-feeding Certain drugs can decrease the chances of transmission during pregnancy Doctor may deliver baby using C-section to reduce transmission during birth Mothers infected cannot breast-feed their babies

Safe behaviors HIV is not transmitted by casual contact You cannot get it by eating lunch with an infected person You cannot get it by holding hands or hugging an infected person Small amounts of HIV occur in saliva, tears & perspiration, however the amounts are so small that infection from contact with these fluids is unlikely.

Safety of donated blood The risk of getting HIV from blood donations is extremely small Since 1985, all of the blood collected in the United States has been tested for HIV

Hiv- a global problem With approximately 40 million people infected around the world, HIV & AIDS represent a global health problem In many countries, young women represent the majority of new HIV infections

Preventing hiv infection Abstinence 100% sure way to not contact HIV infection Avoid drugs Contaminated needles; impaired judgment Avoid contact with blood Never share razors or needles Sexual fidelity No cheating on partner = no STIs into marriage Barrier protection Using a condom every time; still not 100% effective

Testing for hiv Blood test to look for HIV antibodies Second blood test done if antibodies are detected Antibodies usually don’t show up until 3 months after infection

treatment The main goal of treatment is to keep the person’s immune system functioning as close to normal as possible Keeping the person’s viral load down Keeping the person’s T cell count up Treatments do not rid the body of HIV- they help to keep the immune system strong!

Living with hiv People who are HIV positive need to eat right, exercise & get plenty of sleep Regular visits to the doctor Need to stay away from others with infections or diseases