HIV Human Immunodeficiency Disease

Some people want to believe that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem, but . . . . . . and there is no cure.

Differences between HIV and AIDS human immunodeficiency virus HIV finds and destroys a type of white blood cell (T cells or CD4 cells) that the immune system must have to fight disease acquired immunodeficiency syndrome final stage of HIV infection When someone has one or more specific infections, certain cancers, or a very low number of T cells, he or she is considered to have AIDS. Electron microscope image of HIV, seen as small spheres on the surface of white blood cells. www.cdc.gov

Transmission of HIV Is NOT transmitted by IS transmitted through Objects: a toilet seat, drinking fountain, doorknob, dishes, drinking glasses, food, or pets. Insects such as mosquitoes Day-to-day activities: shaking hands hugging a casual kiss sharing eating utensils Having sex (anal, vaginal, or oral) with someone infected with HIV Sharing needles and syringes with someone infected with HIV Being exposed (fetus or infant) to HIV before or during birth or through breastfeeding HIV can be transmitted through blood infected with HIV.

Treatment Treatment can help people at all stages of HIV disease. Anti-HIV medications can treat HIV infection; they cannot cure HIV infection. HIV treatment is complicated and must be tailored to individual needs. HIV positive persons may need to continue taking medications for the rest of their lives.

Health Consequences of HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy Women can pass HIV to their babies. Without treatment or breastfeeding, 1 in 4 (25%) will be infected. With treatment, fewer than 2% will be infected. Women who are or could be pregnant should be tested for HIV.

Opportunistic Infections and Complications Diseases can include: Cancers, such as Kaposi’s Sarcoma Pneumonia Tuberculosis Other STDs Other bacterial infections HIV can make it easier for the person infected to become sick and/or die from other diseases. Symptoms can include: Breathing problems Fever Weight loss Change in vision Diarrhea Skin rashes and itching

Information and Services for Prevention Information on abstinence and safer sex: Online (AdvocatesforYouth.org, SIECUS.org, iwannaknow.org, cdc.gov, greaterthan.org, http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/hiv/) Texting (BrdsNBz Text Message Warm Line) BrdsNBz is available to any teen in North Carolina. To use it: Text “NC” to 36263 to opt in. You only need to opt in once. Text your question to 36263. You’ll get an auto response and then your personalized answer within 24 hours. Community (NC Division of Public Health and local health departments/clinics)

Information and Services for Prevention Behavior: Sexual abstinence and avoiding IV drugs are the only CERTAIN ways to not get infected with HIV. Products: Condoms: can be purchased at drug stores or the local public health department. Some health departments provide condoms at no cost. * Latex condoms are highly effective against HIV if used correctly and consistently.

HIV Testing Services Testing for HIV and other STDs is available at the local health department or other community agencies. Testing is low-cost or free and confidential. NC has FREE testing sites. http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/hiv/

To Prevent HIV, Youth Need to Analyze Influences on Their Behavior Parents Family members Friends Teachers, counselors, medical professionals, mentors Community resources Culture Media

The top story on Teen People's first cover sums it up: "Celeb Couples Share Their Love Secrets." The media often uses sex to attract readers and viewers. Frequently the media dismisses the possible negative consequences of sexual activity. What references to sex, sexuality, and romance are implied in this cover of Cosmo Girl?

To Prevent HIV, Youth Need Communication & Negotiation Skills Communication of values and expectations Refusal of unwanted behaviors Feelings about unwanted pressures Negotiation of activities consistent with personal values (hopefully that would never be unprotected sex)

To Prevent HIV, Youth Need to Develop Goal-Setting, Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Consider future goals and what it takes to realize one’s dreams Consider options Consider barriers and obstacles Consider support needed to be successful in life

Living with HIV/AIDS 1.1 million people in the U.S are living with HIV More than ½ million Americans have died of AIDS since the first cases were diagnosed in 1981. Persons living with HIV or AIDS need care and compassion. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate, neither should we.

Worldwide Pandemic 31.3 million adults and 2.1 children are living with HIV 2 million people died of AIDS in 2008

What Do Persons Living with HIV Need? Appropriate medical care Compassion Understanding of what does NOT cause HIV Respect

References www.cdc.gov http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/ http://www.avert.org/worlstatinfo.htm

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is it? HPV is the most widely spread sexually transmitted disease (STD) It is caused by a virus, and there are over 40 types of HPV that can infect the genitals

How do you get it & what does it do? HPV is transmitted by intimate skin-to-skin contact MOST (90%) people’s immune systems clear HPV on their own This virus can cause genital warts and cancers Most common cancer: cervical

What about testing/treatment? Testing for genital warts if visible Testing for cervical cancer: Pap test and pelvic exam for anyone sexually active Treatment for genital warts: different procedures and medications Treatment for cervical cancer: highly treatable if caught early Because HPV is a virus, there is no cure.

Prevention Vaccinate Females (ages 9 – 26): Gardasil and Cervarix Abstain from sexual activity Avoid intimate sexual skin-to-skin contact Use condoms correctly and consistently (can reduce but not completely eliminate risk)