1. HIV/AIDS

2. HIV infection HIV is the most serious incurable STI
As of 2004, 1 million Americans were reported to be living with HIV
13 to 24-year-olds account for approximately 13% of HIV cases reported in the United States

3. HIV infection HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus
HIV infection can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
HIV
Attacks the immune system
Disables the body’s defenses against pathogens

4. Hiv attacks the immune system
Inside the body, HIV infects helper T cells
T cells stimulate other cells of the immune system to produce antibodies against invading pathogens
Inside of a T cell, HIV reproduces, killing the cell in the process
The new viruses are released from the cell & move on to destroy over T cells

5. Stages of HIV infection
Stage 1- Asymptomatic Stage
Soon after exposure to HIV, an infected person may experience flu-like symptoms, which usually go away after a few weeks
Many months or years may follow during which the person has no outward signs of the disease
During this stage, the virus is destroying T cells

6. Stages of hiv infection
Stage 2- Symptomatic Stage
Weight loss
Persistent fever
Fungal infections
Symptoms may not appear until 7 to 10 years after infection with HIV

7. Stages of hiv infection
Stage 3- AIDS
The onset of AIDS is usually marked by a very low number of T cells in the blood
Experiencing more severe symptoms
Body’s ability to fight disease has been weakened, so infected person is unable to fight off infections

8. Opportunistic infections
The infections that attack a person with a weakened immune system are called opportunistic infections
AIDS is characterized by the appearance of one or more
Death is usually caused by opportunistic infections

9. Opportunistic infections
Include:
Tuberculosis
Fungal infections
Lung diseases
Cancer (cervical & skin cancer)
Virus attacks brain & nervous system
Blindness
Depression
Mental deterioration

10. Transmission of hiv
Individuals infected with HIV can pass the virus on to someone else through the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk
There are four main ways that HIV spreads from person to person:
Sexual contact
Shared needles
Contact with blood
Mother to baby

11. Hiv & sexual contact
HIV can be transmitted through any form of sexual contact with an infected person’s body fluids
Infected fluids can enter a person’s bloodstream through sores or tiny cuts in the lining of the mouth, vagina, rectum or opening of the penis

12. Hiv & Shared needles
HIV can be transmitted through shared needles or syringes that are contaminated with the blood of an infected person
Sharing needles for tattoos or body piercings puts you at risk

13. Hiv & contact with blood
HIV can be transmitted if a person has an open cut or sore that comes into contact with the blood or blood parts of an infected person

14. Hiv & mother to baby
HIV can pass from an infected mother to her child, either during pregnancy or birth or breast-feeding
Certain drugs can decrease the chances of transmission during pregnancy
Doctor may deliver baby using C-section to reduce transmission during birth
Mothers infected cannot breast-feed their babies

15. Safe behaviors HIV is not transmitted by casual contact
You cannot get it by eating lunch with an infected person
You cannot get it by holding hands or hugging an infected person
Small amounts of HIV occur in saliva, tears & perspiration, however the amounts are so small that infection from contact with these fluids is unlikely.

16. Safety of donated blood
The risk of getting HIV from blood donations is extremely small
Since 1985, all of the blood collected in the United States has been tested for HIV

17. Hiv- a global problem
With approximately 40 million people infected around the world, HIV & AIDS represent a global health problem
In many countries, young women represent the majority of new HIV infections

18. Preventing hiv infection
Abstinence
100% sure way to not contact HIV infection
Avoid drugs
Contaminated needles; impaired judgment
Avoid contact with blood
Never share razors or needles
Sexual fidelity
No cheating on partner = no STIs into marriage
Barrier protection
Using a condom every time; still not 100% effective

19. Testing for hiv Blood test to look for HIV antibodies
Second blood test done if antibodies are detected
Antibodies usually don’t show up until 3 months after infection

20. treatment
The main goal of treatment is to keep the person’s immune system functioning as close to normal as possible
Keeping the person’s viral load down
Keeping the person’s T cell count up
Treatments do not rid the body of HIV- they help to keep the immune system strong!

21. Living with hiv
People who are HIV positive need to eat right, exercise & get plenty of sleep
Regular visits to the doctor
Need to stay away from others with infections or diseases