HIV

1
HIV The Immune System

• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a
  pathogen that destroys infection-fighting
• T-Cells in the body.
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a
  condition that results when infection with HIV
  causes a breakdown of the bodys ability to fight
  other infections.

2
HIV The Immune System (cont.)

• A person is infected with HIV as soon as the
  virus enters the blood. The virus attaches itself
  to helper-T cells, where it then reproduces its
  genetic material. HIV can then take control of
  the cell, produce new viral parts, and infect
  other cells. When the number of helper-T cells is
  lowered, the body has a reduced ability to fight
  pathogens, and infections develop.

3
HIV The Immune System (cont.)

• A person is said to have AIDS when his or her
  T-Cell count reaches a certain level, when
  opportunistic infections and noncommunicable
  diseases are present, and when other symptoms
  develop. An opportunistic infection is one that
  develops in a person with a weak immune system.
  Opportunistic infections are difficult to treat
  and can cause death in people who have AIDS.

4
How HIV Is Spread

1. Blood
2. Vaginal secretions
3. Semen
4. Other body fluids that might contain blood (such
   as wound secretions)
5. Breast milk

5
How HIV Is NOT Spread

• Hugging
• Coughing
• Sharing eating utensils
• Sharing bathroom facilities
• Being bitten by an insect
• Using a telephone or computer

• Kissing
• Sneezing
• Sharing towels or brush/combs
• Sharing a water fountain
• Donating blood
• Swimming in a pool
• Using sports/gym equipment

6
Testing For HIV Infection

• Any person who feels that s/he might have been
  exposed to HIV should get tested immediately. Do
  not wait for signs or symptoms. Get to a medical
  professional ASAP!
• When a person becomes infected with HIV, HIV
  antibodies typically show up within 3 months
  after infection. Almost all people who are
  infected with HIV will show antibodies within 6
  months.

7
Signs Of HIV AIDS Infection

• The signs of HIV infection might appear right
  away or take 12 or more years to occur. These
  signs usually include tiredness, fever, swollen
  glands, rash, headaches, and flu-like symptoms.
  They come and go, depending on the helper T-Cell
  count. Even during times when there are no
  symptoms, HIV still continues to destroy the
  immune system.

8
Signs Of HIV AIDS Infection (cont.)

• Thrush is a fungal infection of the mucous
  membranes of the tongue and mouth. White spots
  and ulcers cover the infection. Oral hairy
  leukoplakia is an infection in which white fuzzy
  patches are found on the tongue. Pneumocystis
  carinii pneumonia is a form of pneumonia in AIDS
  patients. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, and
  difficulty breathing.

9
Signs Of HIV AIDS Infection (cont.)

• Kaposis sarcoma causes purple lesions and tumors
  on the skin and in the linings of the internal
  organs.
• AIDS Dementia Complex is a loss of brain function
  caused by HIV infection. Symptoms include
  forgetfulness, personality changes, and loss of
  coordination. The disorder worsens.

10
Treatment For HIV AIDS

• There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS.
  Treatment focuses on making the immune system
  strong. AZT is a drug that slows the
  multiplication of HIV. DDI is another drug that
  slows the multiplication of HIV. These drugs need
  to be given a soon as possible after a person
  tests HIV-positive. By slowing the multiplication
  of HIV, a person will stay healthier longer.

11
Treatment For HIV AIDS (cont.)

• Protease inhibitors are antiviral drugs that
  decrease the amount of HIV in the blood and
  increase the helper T-Cell count. Protease
  inhibitors are newer and more effective against
  HIV than some other drugs. Some people who have
  used them have had the amount of HIV in the blood
  drop to a level where it cannot be detected.
  Scientists are still trying to discover where the
  HIV hides during this time.

12
Treatment For HIV AIDS (cont.)

• There are other ways to help the immune system.
  Some people who are infected with HIV get
  transfusions of healthy white blood cells. Some
  have bone marrow transplants. Just as important
  is good nutrition, reducing stress, and getting
  plenty of quality sleep time.

13
Preventing HIV Infection AIDS

• Practice abstinence
• Choose not to use drugs
• Carefully choose your location for any body
  piercing or tattoos
• Avoid contact with the blood body fluids,
  mucous membranes, or broken skin of another
  person