I. Definition HIV HIV infection is a condition caused by the human immunaodeficiency virus (HIV).

The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. HIV causes AIDS. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It breaks down the immune system our body's protection against sdisease. HIV causes people to become sick with infections that normally wouldn't affect them. AIDS is short for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of HIV disease.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be spread by the following: Through sexual contact -- including oral, vaginal, and anal sex Through blood -- through blood transfusions, accidental needlesticks, or needle sharing From mother to child -- a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can pass it to her baby in her breast milk Rare ways the virus may be spread include: Accidental needle injury Artificial insemination with infected semen Organ transplantation with infected organs Blood banks and orang donor programs screen donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly to prevent the risk of infection. HIV is NOT transmitted to a person who DONATES blood or organs. People who donate organs are never in direct contact with people who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is never in contact with the person receiving it. In all these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used. People at highest risk for getting HIV include: Injection drug users who share needles Infants born to mothers with HIV who didn't receive HIV therapy during pregnancy People who have unprotected sex, especially with people who have other high-risk behaviors, are HIV-positive, or have AIDS People who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985 (before screening for the virus became standard practice) Sexual partners of those who participate in high-risk activities (such as injection drug use or anal sex)

Without theraphy, there will be:

1. Initial invasion of the virus - mild, flulike symptoms 2. Seroconversion - woman converts from having no HIV antibodies in her blood serum to having antibodies against HIV - happens 6 weeks to 1 year after exposure 3. Asymptomatic Period - woman appears to be disease free except for symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue - continue replication - average 3-11 years 4. Symptomataic period - CD4 count <200 cells/mm - woman develops opportunistic infections and possibly malignancies Diagnostic Procedures Several tests can find antibodies or genetic material (RNA) to the HIV virus. These tests include: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . This test is usually the first one used to detect infection with HIV. If antibodies to HIV are present (positive), the test is usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis. If ELISA is negative, other tests are not usually needed. This test has a low chance of having a false result after the first few weeks that a person is infected. Western blot. This test is more difficult than the ELISA to perform, but it is done to confirm the results of two positive ELISA tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This test finds either the RNA of the HIV virus or the HIV DNA in white blood cells infected with the virus. PCR testing is not done as frequently as antibody testing, because it requires technical skill and expensive equipment. This test may be done in the days or weeks after exposure to the virus. Genetic material may be found even if other tests are negative for the virus. The PCR test is very useful to find a very recent infection, determine if an HIV infection is present when antibody test results were uncertain, and screen blood or organs for HIV before donation. Treatment Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) - zidovudine(AZT) (azidothymidine) a. Prolong Life b. Reduce risk of opportunistic infections c. Prolong incubation period For pregnant women with HIV: If ZDZ(zidovudine) is administered at the beginning of the 14 th week and newborn recdeives the drug for 6 weeks after birth, risk for perinatal transmission can be reduced to 8%-10%

Health teachings For infected persons 1. Avoid infections 2. Use latex condom to protect partner during sexual intercourse 3. Do not donate blood, sperm, organs, or other body tissues 4. Do not share items with other persons that may be contaminated with blood and other body fluids 5. Do not breast fed infant For non-infected persons 1. stick to one partner, practice monogomous relationship 2. Use condoms 3. Avoid oral and anal sex 4. Practice good personal hygiene 5. Practice healthful living: exercise, adequate rest, nutritional diet, safer sex 6. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infections: -weight loss -chronic diarrhea -prolonged fever