1. HIV/AIDS

2. Definitions
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus – A pathogen that destroys infection-fighting T cells in the body.
AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – A condition that results after a person becomes infected with HIV.
You can’t catch ADS, AIDS develops after HIV has inflicted enough destruction of the body cells.

3. Words to Know:
Lymphocytes – White blood cells that help the body fight pathogens. They multiply in lymph tissues in order to fight infections
B Cells – A white blood cell that produces antibodies
Helper T Cells – A white blood cell that signals B cells to produce antibodies
Antibody – A special protein that helps fight infection

4. How HIV Works
When HIV enters the body it attaches to the helper T cells
HIV takes control of the helper T cells and produces more HIV
As HIV reproduces, it takes control of the other helper T cells
Helper T cells are now unable to attach and kill other pathogens that enter the body

5. Signs and Symptoms of HIV
Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Diarrhea
Sore Throat
Skin Rash
Swollen Glands
Loss of Appetite
Night Sweats

6. More about Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may come and go as the helper T cell count fluctuates
Many people will not develop severe symptoms for years
As the helper T cell count drops, the person becomes more susceptible to many opportunistic infections
Opportunistic Infections – An infection that develops in a person with a weak immune system.

7. Opportunistic Infections from HIV
Thrush – Is a fungal infection of the mucous membrane of the tongue and mouth. Causes white spots and ulcers.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma – Is a type of cancer that causes purplish lesions and tumors on the skin and linings of internal organs.
AIDS Dementia Complex – Loss of brain function
HIV Wasting Syndrome – Substantial loss of body weight that is accompanied by high fevers, sweating and diarrhea

8. Facts About HIV
Roughly 40,000 people in the US become infected with HIV each year
¼ to 1/3 do not know they are infected
People with or without symptoms can pass the virus to others
Many people do not show symptoms for many years after infection

9. When HIV becomes AIDS
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) a person infected with HIV who has 200 or fewer helper T cells per microliter of blood or an opportunistic infection is diagnosed with AIDS

10. How is HIV Spread?
Through contact with certain bodily fluids which include:
Blood
Semen
Vaginal Secretions
Few cases through breast milk
**To date no documented cases are from transmission through saliva and tears

11. Risk Behaviors that May Lead to HIV
Sexual Contact
Open Mouth Kissing – Although risk of transmission this way is low
Sharing Needles/Syringes for injectable drugs
Sharing Needles for Tattoos or Piercings
Contact with the blood, other bodily fluid or mucous membranes
Blood Transfusion w/ infected person
Tissue Transplant (organ donation)
Being born to a mother infected

12. How to Avoid HIV Abstain from sex until you are married
Get tested for HIV if you have been sexually active
Have your partner get tested for HIV
Choose a drug-free lifestyle
Avoid sharing needles used for tattoos and/or piercings

13. HIV/AIDS Treatments **There is no cure for HIV or AIDS**
Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the virus
Early treatment is critical in slowing the rate at which HIV multiplies
Typically 8-10 years until AIDS occurs
Drugs are used to slow the progression although there are serious side effects from some of the drugs

14. HIV Tests Antibody test – Detects HIV antibodies in the blood
Usually show up in the blood after 3 months of having the infection but can take up to 6 months
If a test is confirmed as positive it is repeated to confirm the results
Western Blot – Used once an antibody test has come back positive
Home Testing – The FDA has approved home testing for antibodies that gets mailed to a lab for testing