HIV/AIDS medium

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best defines immunodeficiency?

An overactive immune response

Partial or full impairment of the immune system (correct)

A defense mechanism against cancer cells

Complete immunity to all infections

What is the primary cause of secondary immunodeficiency?

Autoimmune disorders

Congenital defects

Genetic mutations

Infections like HIV (correct)

What does AIDS stand for?

Acute immunodeficiency disease

Autoimmune deficiency syndrome

Acquired immune disorder syndrome

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (correct)

What occurs during Stage 1 of HIV infection?

A short illness known as seroconversion illness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about AIDS?

AIDS can be directly transmitted between individuals Signup and view all the answers

What theory suggests the origin of HIV infection in humans?

Consumption of chimpanzees infected with SIV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is associated with immunodeficiency?

AIDS Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the genetic form of immunodeficiency?

Primary immunodeficiency Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by white patches on the tongue and is often a sign of a weakened immune system?

Oral hairy leukoplakia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a lifestyle change that can reduce modifiable cancer risks for individuals living with HIV/AIDS?

Increasing physical activity Signup and view all the answers

In the study mentioned, what percentage of HIV positive individuals were found to be co-infected with hepatitis B?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of HIV transmission in the UK?

Anal or vaginal sex without a condom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is associated with a respiratory condition in individuals living with HIV/AIDS?

Chronic cough Signup and view all the answers

What is the guideline regarding alcohol consumption for individuals at risk of cancer, particularly those living with HIV?

Consuming no more than 14 units per week Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication for HIV positive individuals regarding cancer risk linked to smoking?

Two-and-a-half times higher smoking rate than the general population Signup and view all the answers

Which virus is associated with the development of oral hairy leukoplakia?

Epstein-Barr virus Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible effect of having chronic hepatitis C as noted in the study findings?

Higher prevalence compared to the general population Signup and view all the answers

What does a viral load test measure?

The number of copies of HIV in a blood sample Signup and view all the answers

What does U=U stand for in the context of HIV?

Undetectable equals untransmittable Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended time frame for taking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after potential HIV exposure?

Within 72 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

It is taken regularly to prevent the acquisition of HIV Signup and view all the answers

In the UK, what percentage of people living with HIV are estimated to be diagnosed?

94% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Truvada in the context of HIV?

To prevent the acquisition of HIV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'viral load'?

The concentration of HIV particles in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the asymptomatic stage of HIV characterized by?

Active viral replication without noticeable symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What primarily defines the transition from asymptomatic to symptomatic HIV?

Development of opportunistic infections Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections can occur during the late-stage HIV or AIDS?

Opportunistic infections and certain cancers Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the seroconversion period in HIV infection?

Individuals are most infectious Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an AIDS-defining illness?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms are associated with symptomatic HIV?

Persistent cough, weight loss, and fever Signup and view all the answers

How does a weakened immune system during late-stage HIV affect the body?

It makes the body more vulnerable to serious infections and cancers Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome during the symptomatic stage of HIV without treatment?

Development of more severe infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes opportunistic infections in late-stage HIV?

Infections that occur when the immune system is greatly compromised Signup and view all the answers

What describes the typical duration of the asymptomatic stage of HIV?

Several years Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest risk behavior for HIV transmission?

Anal sex Signup and view all the answers

Which bodily fluids cannot transmit HIV?

Sweat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of antiretroviral treatment (ART)?

To allow the immune system to repair itself Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step if you suspect exposure to HIV?

Seek medical advice as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure?

Access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of contracting HIV?

Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) Signup and view all the answers

How can a person confirm if they are infected with HIV?

Through an HIV test Signup and view all the answers

After a negative HIV test, when should it be repeated?

At 6, 12, and 24 weeks after the incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of HIV treatment?

To achieve an undetectable viral load Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about HIV transmission?

It can be transmitted through saliva Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

HIV/AIDS and Immunodeficiency

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system
AIDS is a syndrome, not a virus. It is caused when the immune system is severely damaged by HIV
Immunodeficiency happens when the body's immune system becomes weakened and less capable of fighting off infections, cancers, or other diseases like healthy individuals' immune systems do
Primary immunodeficiency is genetic. Secondary immunodeficiency can be caused by environmental factors such as HIV, AIDS, or malnutrition.
Immunodeficiency is a large range of infections, cancers, and other diseases that individuals with a healthy immune system can fight off
There are different stages of HIV infection:
- Stage 1: Seroconversion Illness (up to 6 weeks). Symptoms similar to influenza (fever, rash, sore throat)
- Stage 2: Asymptomatic Stage. Patient feels fine. The virus is active and damaging the immune system
- Stage 3: Symptomatic HIV. The longer the patient lives with HIV without treatment, the greater the risk of developing infections their immune system can't fight
- Stage 4: Late-Stage HIV. Severe opportunistic infections and cancers occur due to significant immune system damage

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS): A cancer caused by a herpes virus (HHV-8). The virus initially affects endothelial cells within blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This leads to tumors, and it may appear as skin lesions or in the mouth.
Candidiasis (Thrush): A fungal infection caused by Candida yeast. It can affect the mouth, esophagus, bronchi, trachea, and lungs. Commonly presented via white plaques on the tongue or throat.
Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection often affecting the lungs. HIV increases the risk of TB infection.
Cryptococcal meningitis: A fungus-related brain infection. It is more common and severe in people living with HIV.
Hairy leukoplakia: White patches on the tongue caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is more frequent in people with weakened immune systems like HIV patients.

Transmission of HIV

HIV is present in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk
The most common way people in the UK get HIV is via unprotected anal or vaginal sex
The risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is very low
HIV is not transmitted via sweat, urine, or saliva.

Risk Factors for HIV

Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI): STIs can increase the risk of HIV transmission
Sharing contaminated needles or syringes: Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person can transmit HIV and other bloodborne infections.
Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, and tissue transplantation: Unsafe procedures can also put individuals at risk.
Needle stick injuries: While not as common, needle stick injuries with contaminated needles can transmit several blood-borne infections

Diagnosing HIV

It is important to seek medical advice immediately if concerned about possible HIV exposure
If a needle stick occurs, occupational health must be contacted immediately, or A&E if out of hours.
HIV tests are necessary for diagnosis, and should be repeated at specific intervals if negative
Results are given as the number of copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.

Treatment for HIV

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV
The goal of ART is to reduce (or suppress) the viral load to an undetectable level, decreasing the risk of transmission and improving health outcomes. The medication's efficacy is typically measured by the viral load.

Viral Load

Viral load is the amount of HIV in the blood
A viral load test measures the number of HIV particles in a blood sample
The results from the testing are expressed as the number of copies of HIV per milliliter of blood
An undetectable viral load means the virus is present in low enough concentrations in the body that it cannot be detected by traditional test methods. This essentially means that a person cannot transmit the virus to others.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a strategy for preventing HIV infection in people at a higher risk of contracting the disease

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP treatment must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure for maximum effectiveness. This consists of a 28-day regimen of ARV drugs
It is recommended to take PEP in cases of potential HIV exposure via occupational hazards, or non-occupational exposures

HIV Statistics

In 2019, the estimated number of people living with HIV in the UK was 105,200
94% are diagnosed. 6% do not know that they have the virus.
98% of diagnosed HIV patients in the UK are on treatment, with 97% of those who are treated having a non-detectable viral load making them unlikely to transmit the virus.

Learning Outcomes

There were various general learning outcomes (1.1.2, 1.1.3, and so on.) Note those as relevant to your studies. Specific learning objectives were available but not listed.

Additional Information

Patient/client care and communication guidelines are essential to remember in providing aid to individuals experiencing any health concern, particularly with respect to HIV or AIDS. Respect the patient's wishes.
Avoid stigmatizing language, attitudes, or practices when dealing with HIV or AIDS patients.
There are multiple forms of HIV care and treatment (PEP, PrEP, etc)

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Description

This quiz explores the critical aspects of HIV and AIDS, including their definitions, stages of infection, and immunodeficiency types. Understand how HIV affects the immune system and the differences between primary and secondary immunodeficiency. Test your knowledge on this important health topic.