1. HIV/ AIDS

2. What is HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiencey virus (HIV)- a virus that attacks the immune system.
Finds and destroys the white blood cells that fight disease
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)- a disease in which the immune system is weakened
Deadliest disease in human history

3. 25 million people around the world have died because of it
Currently 40 million people worldwide have HIV/AIDS
12 million of the people who have HIV/AIDS are in the 15-24
7000 young people become infected everyday

4. Understanding HIV/AIDS
HIV cannot live outside the human body
It can not be spread through airborne transmission, casual contact or insect bites
Sweat, Tears, or saliva do not have enough virus in it to be considered dangerous
HIV is transmitted among humans only when one person’s infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions comes in contact with another person’s broken skin or mucous membranes.

5. Mucous Membranes Eyes Mouth Nose Vagina Rectum
The opening of the penis

6. HIV is spread in 3 ways During sexual intercourse By sharing needles
Enters the bloodstream
People with STDs are more likely to get HIV
By sharing needles
From mother to baby
Passes on through the umbilical cord, during child birth or through breast feeding

7. How HIV/AIDS affects the immune system
HIV attacks the body’s immune system by destroying lymphocytes
Kills B cells and T cells by infecting them and reproducing in them
As more cells are destroyed the immune system becomes weaker

8. HIV’s stages to AIDS Asymptomatic stage Middle stage
Can last for 10 years or more
Virus is confined to the lymph nodes
Middle stage
Occurs in about 40-70% of patients
Fever, headache, sore throat, rash, diarrhea, and enlarged lymph nodes

9. HIV’s stages continued
Symptomatic stage
Helper T cells fall to per ml of blood
Flu like symptoms, headache, fever, body aches, swollen glands, diminished appetite, weightloss, and skin rashes
AIDS stage
Helper T cells drop to less than 200
More AIDS opportunistic illnesses are present

10. Preventing HIV/AIDS
Healthful behaviors to help protect you from infection
Practice abstinence
Do not share needles
Avoid drug and alcohol use
Use refusal skills when you feel pressure

11. Diagnosing HIV/AIDS Must be tested in:
Doctors office
Local health department
Hospital
HIV testing sites
Typically a blood sample is needed or an oral specimen from the cheek and gum is collected

12. Types of Tests
EIA (enzyme immunoassay) test- a test that screens for the presence of HIV antibodies
Positive 2 times to move on to the next test
Western Blot Test- a test that detects HIV antibodies and confirms the results of earlier EIA test

13. Benefits of early diagnosis
Begin proper medical care early to slow the progress of the virus
Avoid behaviors that could spread HIV
Gain peace of mind when the results are negative

14. Treating HIV/AIDS
Drugs have been developed that slow the growth of th HIV virus and treats some symptoms
No drug exists to cure it
HAART- highly active antiretroviral therapy used to slow the growth