1. Understanding
HIV & AIDS

2. What does HIV stand for?

3. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
An infection in which HIV enters the blood and is multiplying in the person’s cells.

4. Healthy people carry about
Helper T cells ~ white blood cells that activate the immune response when a pathogen enters the body.
Healthy people carry about
500 – 1500
helper T cells
in about
20 drops
of blood
Video on picture

5. The process of replication then starts over.
HIV attaches itself to helper T cells. The virus forces the T cells to make copies of the HIV, this is
replication
New viruses are released from the T cells and they attach to other cells.
The process of replication then starts over.

6. When a person’s white blood cell count gets
As more helper T cells are lost, the immune system is less able to fight off infection. This could take years.
When a person’s white blood cell count gets
below 200 per milliliter of blood, they are said to have AIDS.

7. AIDS
Acquired
Immune
Deficiency
Syndrome

8. Opportunistic Infections
infections or illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune system

9. Phases & Symptoms
of HIV

10. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 HIV Little or no symptoms (Asymptomatic)
could last up to
10 years
HIV
fatigue, weight loss, fever and diarrhea
Possible mental
changes
White blood cell
count drops below200.
Opportunistic infections
appear
Phase 2
Phase 3

11. In the first stages of HIV infection, most people will have very few (if any) symptoms. Within a month or two after infection, they may experience a flu-like illness:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and groin area
These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for another viral infection, such as the flu.

12. Later Symptoms:
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
Pneumonia
Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders

13. BLOOD Vaginal Fluid semen Breast milk
Fluids that transmit
the HIV virus:
BLOOD
Vaginal Fluid
semen
Breast milk

14. How is HIV
transmitted?

15. Sexual activity with an infected person
ABSTINENCE is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV infection through sexual transmission.

16. with an infected person
Sharing
needles
with an infected person

17. injecting drugs or steroids
sharing drug equipment or drug solutions
sharing objects used for piercing or tattooing
Blood Transfusion

18. Infected mother to her infant before or during the birth process or
breast feeding

19. Testing for HIV: HIV antibodies may be found within
6 – 12 weeks after infected with HIV.
In rare cases up to 6 months, for these tests to be accurate.

20. 2 tests given to test for HIV are:
Elisa
Test
Western
Blot Test

21. When Should I get Tested for HIV?
You should be tested for HIV if you have…
had sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) without a condom
learned that a partner was not monogamous
have been sexually assaulted
had a condom break
shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids) or for body piercing, tattooing, or any other reason
had multiple sexual partners
found out that a partner has shared needles
learned that a past or current partner is HIV-positive
discovered that a partner has been exposed to HIV
had a recent diagnosis of another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
are pregnant

22. Is there a cure for aids?

23. However…

24. process allowing people with HIV to live longer,
Even though there is
no cure,
ARV drugs can slow
down the replication
process allowing people
with HIV to live longer,
healthier lives than those
who are infected with
HIV who are not taking ARV drugs.
Video on picture

25. AZT is the most common drug used These drugs
ANTIRETROVIRAL (ARV) DRUGS:
Today there are over 31 FDA approved antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to treat HIV/AIDS.
These drugs
DO NOT cure people with HIV/AIDS, they just suppress the virus.
AZT
is the most common
drug used

26. It’s VERY important to remember that people infected with HIV who are on ARV drugs can STILL TRANSMIT HIV to others!