HIV & AIDS

What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus An incurable sexually transmitted infection that leads to AIDS Pathogen that destroys infection- fighting T cells in the body.

Definitions Pathogen- a germ that causes disease. T cell- a white blood cell that destroys pathogens.

Definitions AIDS- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. An often fatal disease of the immune system caused by the HIV infection. Opportunistic Infection- infection that attacks a person with a weakened immune system.

Definitions Asymptomatic Stage- the stage of HIV infection in which the infected person shows no symptoms.

Stages of HIV Infection Asymptomatic Stage – Soon after exposure to HIV, the infected person may feel flu-like symptoms. They will go away after a week. There can be many months or years that follow during which there will be NO SYMPTOMS. – They CAN infect others during this time.

Stages of HIV Infection Symptomatic Stage – Symptoms of weight loss, persistent fevers, diarrhea, or fungal infections start to appear – Sometimes cannot appear for 7 to 10 years later.

Stages of HIV Infection AIDS – Symptoms become more severe – The body’s ability to fight disease has been weakened by HIV, they are susceptible to infections that a healthy person can easily fight off. – One of these infections can lead to death.

How HIV is Transmitted Sexual Contact Shared Needles Contact with Blood Mother to Baby

How to Avoid HIV Abstain from sex until married. Do not engage in open-mouth kissing with an infected person. Changing behavior if sexually active in past.

How to Avoid HIV Have a monogamous marriage. Do not share needles. Avoid contact with blood or body fluids Use barrier protections

Ways HIV is NOT Transmitted Hugging Kissing (except open mouth kissing) Using the same toilet Playing sports

HIV Testing Impossible to tell if people are infected with HIV by the way they look. Tests can be done anonymously. HIV antibody test is only way.

HIV Testing Continued Antibody- special protein that helps fight infection. HIV positive-has antibodies for HIV present in the blood. HIV negative-does not have antibodies for HIV present in the blood.

Treatment for HIV NO CURE Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the virus. The main goal is to keep immune system functioning as close to normal as possible (Viral load low, T cell count high) Early treatment is critical.