Lymphatic
system and
Immunity
by Anna Kristina N. Amonoy
BSND 1-1D
Ramon , a 20-year-old man, visits an
outpatient clinic. He appears to be weak
and lethargic. Ramon tells the health care
provider that he feels like he has a bad
case of the flu. He states he has night
sweats that drench the bed, and that he
has lost around 10 pounds since becoming
ill. He seems anxious and admits that he
has had unprotected sex with two male
partners over the last few months. The
care provider examines Ramon and
documents that he has a fever and swollen
lymph nodes in his neck.
Case Study
1. Based on this information, What
disorder might Ramon have?
From what I have observed, the symptoms
that Ramon is feeling such as the bad case of
flu, night sweats, weight loss, and swollen
lymph nodes in the neck are symptoms of HIV
(human immunodeficiency virus).
2. How is this disorder transmitted
from one person to another?
The HIV disorder was transmitted through
seminal or vaginal fluids (Centers for disease
control and prevention, 2022) by unprotected
sex. Based on this case, It was clear that
Ramon and his past partners performed Anal
Sex since they are all male. According to
Centers for disease control and prevention
(2022), the riskiest type of sex is from
performing anal sex and if left untreated, can
lead to a bad case of AIDS that may also cause
death.
3. Why must the care provider continually
monitor the T-cell count?
HIV affects the Immune system once it gets inside the body.
According to Chapter 1 of HIV: the Basics (2020), The immune
system has white blood cells which get killed by HIV. Though the
immune system produces more white blood cell so-called CD4 cells,
in the long run, the production of CD4 cells wouldn't be enough to
fight against HIV. Therefore, leading the HIV patient to be weak
once not HIV isn't treated immediately (HIV: The Basics, 2020).
That's why there is a so-called T cell count which monitors the
white blood cells and the spreading of HIV in the blood, in this way,
medications are consulted to the patient in treating HIV that even
though it is uncurable, still will lessen the effects of HIV to the body.
4. What complications can individuals
with this disorder eventually develop?
Since HIV is a virus, this disorder is said to be uncurable due to
the spread of viruses that was transmitted in the blood, semen,
etc. (How HIV is transmitted, 2020). That's why, the individuals
that have this disorder will experience long-term symptoms,
though there are treatments to control HIV, they will never
100% remove the HIV from a person's body since there is no
cure for it (Centers for disease control and prevention, 2022).
Not only that this disorder may weaken a person's immune
system but they can also experience internal complications such
as Self-stigma (Colmenero, 2020) which is when a person acts
negatively in behavior, having shame that causes mental health
illnesses about oneself's state (Borenstein, 2020).
5. What is the prognosis for
indivisuals with this condition?
Studies have shown, that an HIV patient may still
have a long healthy life, but at the same time is
still in the presence and proctor of medication
(Aging with HIV, 2021)
By all means, a person may be tied in up
medications and symptoms that they can no
longer control, but that should never stop them
to live the life they've dreamt of. Yes, it is a
challange, but it is a life-long challenge that
needs to be taken care of.
(Aging with HIV). (May 17, 2021). Growing Older with HIV.
HIV.gov. Retrieved from February 21, 2023
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-
care-of-yourself/aging-with-hiv
Borenstein, J. (August 2020). Stigma, Prejudice and
Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. American
Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from February 21, 2023
References https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-
discrimination#:~:text=Self%2Dstigma%20refers%20to%20the,
have%20about%20their%20own%20condition.
(Centers for disease control and prevention). (Marh 4, 2022).
For inquiries or
Can I get HIV from anal sex?. Retrieved from February 21,
anything under the sun 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/ways-
people-get-hiv.html
(Centers for disease control and prevention). (Marh 4, 2022).
How is HIV passed from one person to another?. Retrieved from
February 21, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-
transmission/ways-people-get-hiv.html
(Centers for disease control and prevention). (July 14, 2022). What is HIV treatment?. Retrieved
from February 21, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html#
Colmenero, T. Morente, M. Morcillo, Antonio. Diaz, C. Martinez, M. Montoro, C. (January 19,
2020). Experiences and Attitudes of People with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review of Qualitative
Studies. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from February 21, 2023.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014086/#:~:text=2.-,Self%2DStigma,commo
n%20feeling%20in%20these%20people.
(HIV: The Basics). (2020). How does HIV attack a person's immune system?. retrieved from
February 21,
2023.https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/child/docs/chapter_1.pdf
(How HIV is transmitted). (October 31, 2020). Terrence Higgins Trust. Retrieved from February
21, 2023. https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/about-hiv/how-hiv-
transmitted#:~:text=HIV%20is%20passed%20on%20through,by%20spitting%2C%20sneezing%2
0or%20coughing.
