HIV AND AIDS

WHAT IS HIV HIV is shortened form for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Human- pertaining to human beings. Immunodeficiency- when one’s natural ability to protect oneself from illness does not function well. Virus- disease causing organism.

HIV It is the virus that infects the blood and impairs the immune system’s ability to fight diseases. It affects mostly the white blood cells of the body’s immune system, (known as the T cells /CD4 cells)

WHAT IS AIDS AIDS is a shortened form for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. Acquired- transmitted from one person to another. Immuno- when the body can defend itself against diseases. Deficiency- when there is not enough function of the immune system. Syndrome-a group of signs and symptoms

WHAT IS AIDS AIDS is a condition caused when the HIV virus has destroyed most of the CD4 cells in the body, leaving the body unprotected from any disease causing organisms e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi and others. As a result people with AIDS develops serious infections and cancers called opportunistic infections (0Is), because they take advantage of the body’s weakened defences.

HISTORY AND PREVALENCE OF HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC 1981:AIDS was first identified among homosexual men and intravenous drug users in the US in NY and California. How it came to Africa: shortly after its detection in the US, evidence of AIDS epidemics grew among heterosexual men, women and children in the sub Saharan Africa. AIDS quickly developed into a world wide epidemic. 1985: the first AIDS case was identified in Zimbabwe and AIDS surveillance began in 1987.

TYPES OF HIV HIV-1 : Which is primarily cause of aids world-wide and sub Saharan Africa. HIV-2 : Found mostly in west Africa.

TRANSMISSION OF HIV It is transmitted through four body fluids namely: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breastmilk. In order to get infected, these fluids need a portal of entry or a door into one’s body. This is either through a cut sore or opening in the skin or through a soft tissue called “mucous membrane”, located in the vagina, the tip of the penis, the anus, the mouth, eyes or the nose.

IMPACT OF AIDS Can be divided into four broad areas: 1) Demographic consequences: it affects the population in a number of ways. Increased morbidity (more people will die) and many of these people will in their reproductive years. Could reduce fertility rates. Increased dependency ratio, 20-40 years dies.

2) economic implication: cost of medical care and related areas will increases. If the infected is the breadwinner, then production and income of the household will be reduced. May also affect national economies through illness and death of producers and the diversion of resources from savings (and eventually investment) to care.

IMPACT OF AIDS 3) Social impact: death of individuals will affect the family, community, and even the broader society. Death of a breadwinner will affect the family’s access to resources.

IMPACT OF AIDS Developmental:

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIV AND AIDS The progression of HIV-AIDS has six major phases: HIV infection- from period of time when HIV enters the body. Window period- the time between HIV infection and the appearance of HIV anti-bodies in the blood. Seroconversion- HIV anti-bodies are present and the HIV test converts from (-) to (+). Asymptomatic- during this time the immune system responds to the infection and the person looks and feels well- this period may Last 10 years or more in adults and children .usually much shorter in children below 2 years. HIV related illness- this is the period when the amount of the viruses increases and the CD4 cells(soldiers) decrease then some opportunistic infections start appearing. AIDS – A person with AIDS has frequent illness, which may be severe and life threatening.

ACTIVITIES THAT TRANSMIT HIV/AIDS Unprotected sex Sharp instruments – sharing used needles and syringes by occupational hazards and intravenous drug users. Use of unsterilized instruments in some traditional practices such as circumcision, tattooing, manicure and using unsterilized clippers in barber shops. Mother to child during pregnancy, child birth and breast feeding from an infected mother. It is estimated that children born to infected mothers will be infected. This may occur prior to birth across the placenta ,during birth or via breast milk. These infections account for about 15% of the total. (Lallemant et al, 1992, Chin et al (1992). Blood transfusion and organ donation- dis is now very rare because of the blood donation screening process. Infected body fluids to open wounds especially those caregivers/ children looking after the sick.

ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT TRANSMIT HIV/AIDS Everyday casual contact with people at school, university, work, home or anywhere else. Contact with sweat, tears, saliva, or a casual kiss from an infected person (deep or French kissing is not advised). Contact with cutlery, clothes, phones, toilet seats or other things used by the infected person. Eating food prepared by an HIV infected person. Insect bites. Correct and consistent use of condoms.

PRIMARY METHODS OF PREVENTION Abstinence be faithful to one uninfected partner. correct and consistent use of condoms-using latex male condom or a female condom can greatly lower the changes of transmission through sex. circumcision- reduces HIV transmission in males by 60%, reduces STIs, cervical cancer.it is also important to use condoms when one is circumcised. delay early sexual activity. Early treatment of STI, if one has an STI he/she should get treated immediately. Having an STI increases the risk of getting HIV. Free and frank discussion with one’s sexual partner. Get real early and know one’s HIV status. Schools / universities should educate students on HIV/AIDS issues. Church is also to teach people on HIV\AIDS issues and moral behavior.