HIV & AIDS

HIV INFECTION HIV-The most serious incurable STI HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus

STAGES OF HIV INFECTION Asymptomatic Stage-The person experience flu like systems. During this stage the virus destroys helper T cells. Symptomatic Stage- When the person experience symptoms. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and fungal infections. This may not appear until 7 to 10 years. AIDS- Usually marks low number of T cells in blood. They experience very severe symptoms then symptomatic stage.

TRANSMISSION OF HIV Sexual Contact- Transmitted through any form of sexual contact includes-body fluids, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Shared Needles- Contaminated with blood of an infected person. Contact With Blood- Open cut or sore. Mother to Baby- During pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding.

SAFE BEHAVIORS HIV is not transmitted by casual contact. You can’t get HIV by holding hands or hugging an infected person. The Safety of Donated Blood- Risk of getting HIV from blood transfusion is extremely small. Blood tests positive for HIV antibodies is discarded.

GLOBAL PROBLEM With approximately 40 million people are infected around the world, HIV and AIDS represent a global health problem. Africa- 80 million Africans may die from AIDS by 2025 Asia-HIV are increasing in parts of Asia. 5 million people are living with HIV and AIDS in India. High Risk Groups-In Africa 75% of young people are women who are infected with the disease. Due to lack of information on how to protect themselves. Education and Protection- Several international organizations are working to lessen the toll that HIV and AIDS.

PREVENTING HIV INFECTION Practice Abstinence Avoid Drugs Avoid contact with Blood or Body Fluids Sexual Fidelity in Marriage Barrier Protection

TESTING FOR HIV HIV-Positive Diagnosis- If a person is diagnosed as HIV positive they need to notify all previous sexual partners so that they can also get tested. Reason for follow up Testing- Antibodies usually show up within three months after infection.

TREATMENT FOR HIV AND AIDS Goal of treatment- keep the person’s immune system functioning as close to normal as possible. Viral load- keep the person’s T as low as possible Keep T cell count as high as possible. Combination Drug Therapy- Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy. Use a combination of drugs to reduce the viral load in the blood. Living with HIV- Eat right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep are important. The Need for Support- People with HIV need support as well as their loves ones to help deal with this virus. Support includes counseling, healthcare services, and financial assistance.