...Aids Diagnosing AIDS. HIV and Aids are two very different things- Though HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, there is a difference between being infected with HIV and having AIDS. A person can have HIV without having AIDS, but cannot have AIDS without HIV. There are five stages of HIV infection, with the last being AIDS. Window Period, The first stage of HIV infection is also called the "window period." This is a period when the infected person may not be ill at all and may not test positive, but they will have a high viral load and be very infectious. Seroconversion is the second stage of HIV infection and is another period in which an infected person is highly infectious. It is during seroconversion that the body develops antibodies to HIV that can be detected on tests. Various symptoms of infection may appear as well, including fever, rash, fatigue and neurologic symptoms. The asymptomatic period is the third stage of HIV infection in which a person may not show any symptoms nor have a major increase in viral load. This period may last up to ten years or longer, especially with medical treatment. HIV-positive patients in the asymptomatic period are still not considered to have AIDS. Symptomatic Stages, Once the asymptomatic period ends, an HIV-positive individual will pass through early-stage and mid-stage symptomatic periods. Early-stage symptoms will include rashes, fatigue, weight loss, and other relatively common symptoms of disease. As the infection compromises more of...
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...HIV symptoms at a glance Are there any early symptoms of HIV? Around a week to ten days after HIV infection takes place, symptoms can occur which are the result of the body reacting to HIV infection (clinically referred to as ‘seroconversion’). The most common symptoms of recent HIV infection are severe flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat and fever, and a rash on the chest. Other symptoms can include fatigue, nausea and diarrhoea. Around 70-90% of people recently infected with HIV experience these symptoms, and they are unusual in otherwise healthy people so should indicate the need for an HIV test if they occur within six weeks of sex without a condom (especially with a new or casual partner). After two to three weeks these symptoms will disappear, and even if you see a doctor they may fail to recognise the signs of early HIV infection. A person with HIV may then live for many years without any further symptoms or indications that they are HIV positive. What should I do if experience symptoms of recent HIV? If you experience these symptoms of early HIV infection and you have recently put yourself at risk (had sex without a condom or shared injecting needles or drug equipment) then you should have an HIV test. Are there any other symptoms of HIV infection? The first stage is recent infection which is discussed above. The second stage of HIV infection is the 'asymptomatic' stage, and as the name suggests there are generally no symptoms...
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...Tripti; COH/200301; Total nos of Pages: 7; COH 200301 Potential impact of early antiretroviral therapy on transmission David Paoa, Deenan Pillayb,c and Martin Fishera HIV/GUM Research Department, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, Department of Infection, University College London Medical School and cCentre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, UK b a Correspondence to Deenan Pillay, Centre for Virology (Bloomsbury), Windeyer Building, 46 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JF, UK Tel: +44 20 7679 9482; fax: +44 20 7580 5896; e-mail: d.pillay@ucl.ac.uk Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 2009, 4:000–000 Purpose of review In this review, we will discuss the potential of early highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV on an individual and population level. We will focus on the biological plausibility and behavioural factors associated with HAART use and interventions that might influence such a strategy. Recent findings Empiric and phylogenetic studies support the view that recent HIV infection is a highly infectious disease stage. Evidence increasingly demonstrates that individuals on fully suppressive HAART are significantly less likely to transmit HIV to sexual partners and some even suggest that such individuals cannot transmit HIV. Changes in risk behaviour are associated with the availability of HAART but behavioural studies offer contradictory observations regarding the direction and magnitude of...
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...Epidemiology Paper HIV virus is a life threatening disease that has no regards for gender, race, color or age group. This disease can affect anyone at any given time especially when one is placed in a situation where they could be at risk. The HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. H- this virus only can infect human beings. I- HIV weakens the immune system by destroying important cells that fight diseases and infection. V- a virus can only reproduce itself by taking over the cells in the body of the host. These viruses cannot develop or reproduce on their own; they need to infect the cells of a living organism in order to multiply. There are two types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV 2. Both types of HIV equally can damage a persons body by destroying specific blood cells, called CD4+ T cells, which are important to assisting the body in fighting diseases (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). There are three main stages of HIV infection (aids, gov, 2015). The first stage is the acute infection; this is where individuals normally develop influenza, flu-like symptoms. Symptoms can contain swollen glands, diarrhea, weight loss, sore throat, and fevers, fatigue. At this time the body is producing many viruses in the body. The second stage is Clinical Latency Stage. The “latency” meaning the development of a virus in a living person without symptoms (aids.gov). The virus on goes into producing more viruses but at a steady rate. This stage can approximately last up to 10 years...
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...HIV Epidemiology Patricia Mayer Grand Canyon University NRS 427V Sarah Hathcock April 25, 2015 HIV Epidemiology Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The body is not able to rid itself of the human immunodeficiency virus, so once a person has the virus, they have it for life (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015). Currently there is no safe or effective cure for HIV, but with the proper medical care, it can be controlled and drastically prolong the life of someone infected with HIV which can also lower their chances of infecting others with the virus. The virus attacks the T cells in the body and over time it can do away with so many of the cells that the body cannot fight off infections or diseases. It is at that point when HIV infections becomes AIDS (CDC, 2015). Causes and Symptoms HIV is believed to originally be caused by coming into contact with the blood of infected chimps and monkeys in Africa during butchering and cooking, which allowed the cross contamination into humans. HIV is a slow virus, which means it could take anywhere for five to ten years after infection for the symptoms to appear (Meyer & Adler, 2014). There are three stages of HIV and the person can transmit the virus during any stage. The first stage is acute infection it happens two to four weeks after infection with HIV, the person will have flu-like symptoms, during this stage large amounts of...
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...HIV and its causes to humans I. AIDS is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as the disease progresses. HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person (semen and vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk). The virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivering the baby during childbirth, and through breast feeding. HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion, and contaminated hypodermic needles. Both the virus and the disease are often referred to together as HIV/AIDS. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. As a result, some will then develop AIDS. The development of numerous opportunistic infections in an AIDS patient can ultimately lead to death. According to research, the origins of HIV date back to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in west-central Africa. AIDS and its cause, HIV, were first identified and recognized in the early 1980s. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatments can slow the course of the disease - some infected people can live a long and relatively healthy life. II. What is the difference...
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...Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, and if left untreated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS (AIDS, 2015). HIV is a virus that a person will have for the rest of their life, because the human body can never completely get rid of the virus (AIDS, 2015). There is currently no cure for HIV, but if properly treated, it can be controlled. HIV is caused by a virus that specifically attacks CD4 cells. These cells are responsible for the immune system. When left untreated, HIV attacks these cells, leaving the human body unable to fight off infection or cancers (AIDS, 2015). There are three stages of HIV. The first is the acute infection stage where there is a large amount of the virus being produced in the body. A person may not even know they have HIV in this stage. The second stage is the clinical latency stage where very low levels of the virus is being produced because a person may be receiving treatment. A person can live in the clinical latency stage for years, even decades. The final stage of HIV is known as AIDS and this is where a person is susceptible to opportunistic infection. (AIDS, 2015). There are several symptoms of HIV, but the only way to be certain that one has HIV is through testing. Early symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, fever, chills, swelling of lymph nodes, night sweats, and ulcers in the mouth (AIDS, 2015). Some people may be infected with HIV but not know it for an...
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...significant illness that affects many people across the world is HIV and AIDS. HIV is known as a Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and AIDS is known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV and AIDS are two diagnoses that can be easily confused and mistaken to be one in the same, but they are two different diagnoses. HIV and AIDS remain a persistent problem for the United States and countries around the world. Being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS isn’t a death sentence that most people think that it is and even though they have many symptoms in common, medically they aren’t the same. But they derive from the same virus. HIV is a virus that can lead to a condition called AIDS. This virus can be spread through certain body fluids that attack the body’s immune system, primarily the CD4 cells, which are better known as the T cells. The human immunodeficiency virus can destroy many of the CD4 cells over a period, which prevents the body to be able to fight off infections and diseases. If HIV is left untreated, it will eventually diminish the number of T cells that one has in their body. If that take place, one’s immune system began to fail. HIV goes through three stages leading up to AIDS. Stage one is Acute HIV infection; stage two is Clinical latency (HIV inactivity or dormancy), and the last stage is AIDS. Many infections and other illnesses take advantage of a very weak immune system, and that is the signal that the person’s HIV has developed into an AIDS. Many people don’t understand...
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...Running Head: THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV/AIDS The Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS Michael Reynolds Grand Canyon University: NRS-434V 08/28/2014 THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV/AIDS 2 The Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS In June of 1981 the CDC published a report titled “Pneumocystis Pneumonia – Los Angeles.” This report is often noted as the beginning of AIDS awareness (Avert.org, 2014a). Since its discovery, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) estimates over 33 million people have been infected worldwide, 47% women and 33% children ages 15-24. More than 25 million men, women and children have died from this devastating viral infection. It is a worldwide pandemic that affects only humans. The virus is called the (H) human – it only infects human beings, (I) immunodeficiency – it works by inhabiting and destroying the T-cells (CD4), which are the fighter cells against body infections, and (V) virus – an infectious agent that replicates inside the living cells of a living organism and cause damage to its host (Aids.gov, 2014f). Normally our CD4 cells eradicate viruses, such as the common cold. HIV is unusual in that it hides within and destroys our “fighter” cells. Not only does the HIV virus hide and replicate itself in our T-Cells, it is believed to morph over time. Imagine a bank robber hiding from the police by wearing a police uniform and pretending to be one of them. Now imagine that the bank robber can change his disguise, add a mustache or dye his hair, just before the police suspect and...
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... * ------------------------------------------------- SERVICE LOCATOR ------------------------------------------------- Top of Form Search: Bottom of Form AIDS.gov Home * HIV/AIDS Basics * HIV/AIDS 101 * AWARENESS DAYS * Home / HIV/AIDS Basics / HIV/AIDS 101 : How Do You Get HIV or AIDS? SUBSCRIBE TRANSLATE TEXT SIZEPRINT ------------------------------------------------- HOW DO YOU GET HIV OR AIDS? ------------------------------------------------- HOW IS HIV SPREAD? You can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. HIV is not spread easily. Only certain body fluids from a person who has HIV can transmit HIV: * Blood * Semen (cum) * Pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum) * Rectal fluids * Vaginal fluids * Breast milk These body fluids must come into contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into your bloodstream (by a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Mucous membranes are found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get tested. You can get tested at your healthcare provider’s office, a clinic, and other locations. You can also get a HIV home test kit from your local pharmacy. Use the...
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...the HIV virus in a near future and we should support the organizations that fund the research. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV, once you contact HIV, you have it for life. HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease which then leads to AIDS. Within 2-4 weeks after HIV infection, many, but not all, people experience flu-like symptoms, often described as the “worst flu ever.” This is called “Acute Retro-viral Syndrome” (ARS) or “primary HIV infection,” and it’s the body’s natural response to the HIV infection. Symptoms can include fever (this is the most common symptom), swollen glands, sore throat, rash, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches and pains. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, one should not assume that they have HIV if any of these symptoms should appear. Each of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. Conversely, not everyone who is infected with HIV develops ARS. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 years or more. CDC, (2014). Only certain fluids—blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk—from an HIV-infected person can transmit HIV. These...
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...HIV Epidemiology J**** A******* Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V August 2, 2014 HIV Epidemiology Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2015). HIV is spread when certain body fluids from an infected HIV individual: blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk; are transmitted through a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream. It is only under these specific conditions that HIV can be transmitted, it is not spread from causal contact with an infected individual. Early signs and symptoms include: fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, malaise, nausea, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, and a diffuse rash. In the progression of HIV, these symptoms worsen and additional symptoms include: localized infections, lymphadenopathy, nervous system manifestations, and the presence of oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush). Other infections that can also occur include: shingles, persistent vaginal candida infections, outbreaks of oral or genital herpes, bacterial infections, and Kaposi sarcoma (KS). The biggest complication of HIV is the progression of the infection to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Numerous...
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...Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a disease that only infects humans, weakens the immune system, and like other viruses, reproduces itself by taking over cells within the body of its host. HIV is similar to other viruses such as those that cause the common cold or flu. The difference is that with most viruses, the body’s natural immune system is able to rid the body of it. With HIV, the body’s immune system cannot clear the virus and the reason behind this is still trying to be figured out by scientists (AIDS.gov, 2014). Scientists believe that the source of HIV came from a certain type of chimpanzee in Western Africa and was transmitted to humans when these infected animals were hunted and eaten. Studies have shown that HIV may have transmitted to humans as far back as the 1800s and slowly spread across Africa, eventually making its way to different parts of the world. HIV has existed here in the United States since the mid to late 1970s (CDC, 2014). So what causes HIV? How does one get infected with this non-curable disease? In this short essay we will explore this communicable disease in detail, discuss factors that contribute to the development of this disease, discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to HIV, and lastly explain the role that a community nurse has in regards to prevention. HIV is a non-curable disease and once you have it, you have it for life. HIV is found in bodily fluids such as, blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, breast milk, vaginal...
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...Community Health-HIV Transmission and Prevention Kimberly Welch Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V Jude Belmonte June 14, 2015 Community Health-HIV Transmission & Prevention One of the most complicated and complex communicable diseases in the world population today is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is estimated that 78 million people have been infected and 39 million people have died worldwide since the virus was first identified ("AIDS statistics," 2015, para. 1). HIV is contracted by direct contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. This infection modifies and destroys the specific cells of the immune system ("HIV basics," 2015, para. 1). The result of HIV infection is the eventual progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease) (Klatt, 2015, p. 6). HIV and AIDS are commonly used interchangeably when discussing the disease processes in general terms, but there is a distinctive evolution that identifies the presence of HIV to the development of AIDS. Since HIV targets specific cells, massive cellular destruction leads to the state know as acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("HIV basics," 2015). HIV infection currently has no cure and once acquired. However, with early detection and use of new medication combinations, it can be managed ("HIV Treatment," 2014, para. 3). Epidemiology is the medical study of the causes and transmission of disease within a population. Epidemiologist target specific strategies...
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...people has AIDS. Some 17 million people in Africa have died representing almost 80% of AIDS deaths world wide. This is the equivalent of the combined populations of New York City and Los Angeles (www.Time/2001/aidsafrica). There is a conspiracy of silence fueling the spread of HIV in South Africa. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and has one of the fastest growing infection rates AIDS is now South Africa's leading cause of death. Last year it accounted for 40% of all deaths between the ages of 15 and 49 (US.news2.yimg.com). By the year 2010, HIV prevalence in adults is projected to reach 25% of the total population. South Africa is projected to have the highest AIDS death rate until 2015. At that point, the population will have decreased to the point that the death rate will no longer be as high as in other areas. South Africa has a population close to 40 million people - an estimated 4.2 million (10.5%) are infected with HIV. Of these, half are women ages 15-49. Over 40% of pregnant women are HIV-positive. The impact of AIDS in South Africa is overwhelming. The disease has orphaned 370,952 children, 95,000 children have been infected with AIDS and the adult prevalence rate of HIV is 20%. While there are limits in extrapolating the general population, it...
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