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Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe the syndrome resulting from severe damage to the immune system by HIV?
What is the term used to describe the syndrome resulting from severe damage to the immune system by HIV?
What is the most infectious stage of HIV?
What is the most infectious stage of HIV?
Which of the following is a sign of symptomatic HIV?
Which of the following is a sign of symptomatic HIV?
Which infection is commonly associated with late-stage HIV?
Which infection is commonly associated with late-stage HIV?
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What type of cancer is associated with HIV due to the herpes virus type 8?
What type of cancer is associated with HIV due to the herpes virus type 8?
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What is a potential symptom of candidiasis in individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV?
What is a potential symptom of candidiasis in individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV?
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What is the primary characteristic of HIV Stage 2?
What is the primary characteristic of HIV Stage 2?
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Which of the following statements about the HIV stages is true?
Which of the following statements about the HIV stages is true?
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What can indicate a severe immune system compromise in individuals with HIV?
What can indicate a severe immune system compromise in individuals with HIV?
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Which of the following is a method to prevent the transmission of HIV?
Which of the following is a method to prevent the transmission of HIV?
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What bodily fluids can transmit HIV?
What bodily fluids can transmit HIV?
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What is the purpose of anti-HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
What is the purpose of anti-HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
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What is the goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
What is the goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
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What is considered an undetectable viral load in the context of HIV management?
What is considered an undetectable viral load in the context of HIV management?
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Which of the following substances is NOT associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission?
Which of the following substances is NOT associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission?
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What is the significance of the CD4 count in a healthy person?
What is the significance of the CD4 count in a healthy person?
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How long after potential HIV exposure should negative tests be repeated?
How long after potential HIV exposure should negative tests be repeated?
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Which of the following is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV?
Which of the following is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV?
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Study Notes
HIV and AIDS: A Comprehensive Overview
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A virus that weakens the immune system.
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): A collection of infections and illnesses that develop when HIV severely damages the immune system.
- Immunodeficiency: A weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, cancers, and other diseases.
Stages of HIV Infection
- Stage 1: Seroconversion Illness (Primary or Acute): Occurs up to 6 weeks after infection. Characterized by a short illness, often flu-like, and asymptomatic in some cases. This is the most infectious stage.
- Stage 2: Asymptomatic Stage: The virus is active, but there are no symptoms. This stage can last for years.
- Stage 3: Symptomatic Stage: The immune system weakens, manifesting in symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and cough. This stage persists longer without treatment.
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Stage 4: Late-Stage HIV (Untreated): This stage leads to serious complications, including:
- Opportunistic Infections: Tuberculosis (lung infection), cancers (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer), severe bacterial infections, cryptococcal meningitis (brain infection), Kaposi's sarcoma (blood cancer).
- Wasting Syndrome (Cachexia): Sudden weight loss due to muscle breakdown.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV
- Kaposi's Sarcoma: Raised blue or red lumps on skin and mouth.
- Candidiasis (oral thrush): Fungal infection (yeast), white plaques on the mouth; removable sore mouth, phlegm, chronic cough, dysphagia.
- Hairy Leukoplakia: White patches in the mouth; a sign of a weakened immune system.
Risk Factors & Transmission
- Transmission: HIV spreads through bodily fluids including semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or urine.
- Risk Factors: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes, syphilis, and bacterial vaginosis increase HIV risk. Sharing needles and syringes (medical, drug-related, or piercing) also pose risks.
Prevention and Treatment
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Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Anti-HIV medication taken within 72 hours after possible exposure.
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): HIV preventative medication.
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Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Medications to stop virus replication. Treatment goals include achieving an undetectable viral load.
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Viral Load: The amount of HIV in the blood. Undetectable viral load (U=U) refers to a level below 200 copies.
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CD4 Count: Healthy CD4 cell count is usually above 500 cells/mm³.
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Testing: Negative HIV tests should be repeated at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after potential exposure.
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Description
Explore the complexities of HIV and AIDS through this comprehensive quiz. Understand the various stages of HIV infection and how it affects the immune system. Test your knowledge about the virus, its impact, and the importance of awareness.