Halt and Reverse: HIV/AIDS

History Discovered in 1980s Originally linked to gay males first blood test approved In 1986, AZT, a failed cancer drug, was tested as an HIV treatment for the first time AZT was used primarily until the later 90s Doctors prescribe cocktails for treatment First notable decline in AIDS/HIV prevalence

Complications We must learn how to prevent instead of merely treat Cost Effectiveness and access to healthcare are large components of AIDS/HIV treatments Providing care to developing countries as well as our own. The burden is shared but carried by few

General Facts Human Immunodeficiency Virus Weakened Immune System Leads to AIDS Symptoms hidden for decades in some Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Final stages of HIV Immune system withered away Cancers, bacteria, other viruses easily take over

How is it spread? HIV is a contagious virus Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk from someone with HIV must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue of an individual without HIV Common contact includes Unprotected sex Sharing of needles, syringes, other intravenous equipment Breastfeeding

Who is at risk? Racial/Ethnic groups Substance Abusers Gay and Bisexual men Youth Young people aged account for 39% of all new HIV infections.

Prevention Know your status and partners status Practicing safe sex - condoms or other barriers Increase the availability of condoms/barriers and safe sex and health education worldwide Educate others on testing

Get Tested! Tests are 99.9% accurate Results appear about 3 months after exposure CDC recommends everyone is tested at least once - Find a testing site Oral swabs for antibodies in mucous Needles aren't even needed anymore to detect

If you test positive AHF(AIDS Healthcare Foundation) Protect your physical and emotional health Get informed - Tips, and treatment education Tell others Smart Couples Project html

There is hope! Mississippi Doctors claim to have cured infant with HIV by applying drug cocktail 30 hours after birth At 18 months - drugs were removed No signs for 10 months, deemed functionally cured Could lead to over 300,000 cured yearly

Cure Search The Berlin patient - leukemia bone marrow transplant lead to cure of HIV Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Gilead Sciences Inc are all searching for a cure We must shift away from simply preventing.

Resources "Treat HIV Now.". Gilead Sciences Inc, n.d. Web. 28 Apr "Learn About HIV and AIDS." AIDS Healthcare Foundation. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, n.d. Web. 28 Apr < Pettypiece, Shannon. " HIV-Infected Infant Cured With Early Use of AIDS Drugs." Bloomberg. Bloomberg.net, 4 Mar Web. 28 Apr