Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between HIV and AIDS?
What is the primary difference between HIV and AIDS?
Why do many people in the first stage of HIV infection not know they have HIV?
Why do many people in the first stage of HIV infection not know they have HIV?
How do opportunistic infections cause death in people with AIDS?
How do opportunistic infections cause death in people with AIDS?
Why does having another STI increase the risk of contracting HIV?
Why does having another STI increase the risk of contracting HIV?
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How does ART work to treat HIV/AIDS?
How does ART work to treat HIV/AIDS?
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Which method of preventing HIV transmission through sexual activity is 100 percent effective?
Which method of preventing HIV transmission through sexual activity is 100 percent effective?
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Which of the following activities involves exchanging bodily fluids that carry HIV?
Which of the following activities involves exchanging bodily fluids that carry HIV?
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What is one barrier that prevents people living with HIV from seeking treatment?
What is one barrier that prevents people living with HIV from seeking treatment?
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Why is it important for people living with HIV to notify their sexual or needle-sharing partners?
Why is it important for people living with HIV to notify their sexual or needle-sharing partners?
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In what situations would people benefit most from PrEP and PEP?
In what situations would people benefit most from PrEP and PEP?
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Study Notes
HIV/AIDS
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a bloodborne virus that infects and kills the body's immune cells, weakening the immune system.
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a health condition caused by the progression of HIV, where the immune system can no longer fight infections and diseases.
Key Facts about HIV/AIDS
- Over 37 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.
- Since the epidemic began, 35 million people have died from AIDS-related causes.
- HIV can spread through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
- HIV transmission is most common among people ages 13-34.
- One in seven people with HIV do not know they have it.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- AIDS is a health condition where the immune system can no longer fight infections and diseases.
- Caused by the progression of HIV.
- Can lead to severe opportunistic infections, which can result in early death.
Opportunistic Infections
- Diseases that develop by taking advantage of a weakened immune system.
- Can result in early death.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
- Depend on how far HIV has progressed and whether it has developed into AIDS.
- Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection (first signs and symptoms, usually minor and flu-like)
- Stage 2: Latency (no symptoms, can last 10+ years)
- Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS, severe damage to immune system)
HIV Transmission
- Can be transmitted through:
- Injections with shared or unsterilized needles
- Sexual activity
- From parent to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding
- Exposure of open sores on skin, in the mouth, or on genitals to contaminated blood
- Cannot be transmitted through:
- Kissing or hugging
- Mosquitoes
- Sharing food
- Shaking hands
- Coughing
- Using the same seat
- Spit, sweat, or feces
HIV Testing and Diagnosis
- HIV testing is important for personal and community health.
- Testing involves a blood test to examine for the presence of HIV antibodies.
- Results usually become available in a few days.
- Confidentiality of test results is protected by federal law (HIPAA).
Treatment for HIV/AIDS
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that interferes with the reproduction of HIV.
- Aim of ART is to reduce a person's viral load and stabilize the number of CD4 cells.
- Start ART as soon as possible after an HIV diagnosis.
- ART can reduce a person's viral load to the point HIV becomes undetectable.
HIV Prevention
- Precautions to reduce the risk of transmission:
- Understand activities that can cause transmission
- Use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom
- Avoid needle sharing
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a course of ART that can protect a person from contracting HIV.
- Intended for people who have tested negative for HIV but have a high risk of contracting HIV.
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Description
Learn about the differences between HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Set goals to stay HIV-free and make informed decisions.
