HIV/ AIDS

Education
PSYCH 101 – UNDERSTANDING
THE SELF
In this Topic, you should be able to:

1. Learn the history and etiology of HIV and AIDS;

2. Enumerate the transmission method of such infections;
3. Explain the various statistical studies conducted; and
4. Value prevention methods in mitigating HIV infections in the
community.
HIV Definitions and History

▪ HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus come from the family of

Lentiviruses that infects humans and primates
▪ HIV is believed to have originated from Central Africa from the
transfer of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) from chimpanzees
and other primates to humans.
▪ This "cross-species" transmission likely occurred when humans
hunted and consumed primate meat, a practice known as
“bushmeat”(any animals not domesticated for consumption but is
caught in the wild)
▪ There are 2 known strains of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2, with HIV-1 being
the most infectious and transmissible
Discovery

▪ HIV was discovered through the joint efforts of French and

American researchers Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, Robert Gallo and
Luc Montagnier, although it was already in records way back
1930’s they most like isolated the case
▪ The virus was identified when an AIDS patient was tested and CSF
(Cerebrospinal Fluids) isolated from the lymph nodes
▪ Around the same time, researchers in the United States, led by
Robert Gallo, identified a similar virus, which they called HTLV-III
(Human T-lymphotropic Virus type III). In 1986, these two viruses
were confirmed to be the same, and the virus was renamed HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Proven Modes of Transmission

▪ Sexual Transmission – The most common mode of transmission

globally is through unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or
oral) with an HIV-positive person. The virus is present in genital
fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, pre-ejaculate, and rectal fluids).
▪ Blood-to-Blood Transfusion
1. Needle Sharing - can be transmitted through sharing needles,
syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Common among persons
who uses illegal drugs
2. Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants - Although rare today, HIV
can be transmitted through contaminated blood products or organ
transplants.
3. Accidental Injuries – Healthcare workers or anyone that is
accidentally exposed or injured with objects attributed to HIV patients
Proven Modes of Transmission

▪ Mother-to-Child Transmissions (Vertical Transmission)

1. Pregnancy - A mother with HIV can transmit the virus to her child
during pregnancy through the placenta.
2. Childbirth - HIV can also be transmitted during the delivery process,
particularly if there is contact with infected blood or fluids.
3. Breastfeeding - HIV can be passed to the baby through breast milk,
What Doesn’t Transmit HIV

HIV is not transmitted through these methods contrary to popular beliefs

1. Air or Water – HIV is not Airborne (Coughing and Sneezing) and
Waterborne (Swimming with persons with HIV)
2. Physical Non-Sexual Contact – such as handshaking and Hugging
3. Sharing Toilets
4. Insect Bites – HIV cannot be transmitted by mosquito bites
5. Kissing – unless there are open wounds or sores in the mouth
(unless the infected patient can produce 8 gallons of saliva daily)
At risk groups for HIV Infections

1. Commercial Sex Workers and Clients

2. Injecting Drug Users (IDUs)
3. Migrant, Transport Workers and their Partners
4. Men who had sex with other Males (MSM)
5. Military and Police Personnels
6. Street Dwellers
7. Health Care Workers
Phases of HIV Infection

1. Phase 1 – Acute HIV Infections (3 – 12 Weeks from exposure)

1. Sore Throat
2. High Fever
3. Night Chills
4. Skin Rash
2. Phase 2 – Clinical Latency (10 – 12 Years)
1. If the person is not treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
2. The viral load is lower, but it remains present in the body.
3. People may feel relatively healthy and show no signs of illness.
3. Phase 3 – Full Blown AIDS (more than 8 years)
1. Final stage of HIV if left untreated
2. Prone to opportunistic Infections such as TB, Pneumonia and Meningitis
Management of HIV

▪ Although there is no known cure, but there is what we call

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
▪ ART typically includes a combination of at least three different drugs
from different classes of antiretroviral medications. These medications
target different steps in the HIV life cycle to prevent the virus from
replicating.
▪ ART involves combination therapy, meaning that people living with HIV
take a mix of these medications to maximize the chances of
suppressing the virus. Using a combination reduces the likelihood of
the virus developing resistance to the drugs.
▪ ART is free and could is accessible to PLHIV, as they are closely
monitored and distributed in the local Municipal, City and Barangay
Health Centers
Statistics
Department of Health | Epidemiology Bureau

▪ According to the report published by the DOH in the

January – March 2024 statistics
▪ There are 3409 Newly Reported cases of thew 1st Q of 2024
▪ There are 37 average daily reported cases
▪ Age Group
▪ 30% - 15-24 Years Old
▪ 48% - 25-34 Years Old
▪ 19% - 35-49 Years Old
▪ 2% - 50 Years Old above
▪ Geographic Distribution (Top 5)
▪ NCR
▪ Region 4A
▪ Region 3
▪ Region 7
▪ Region 6
Shares of Modes of Transmission

▪ Those who are infected through Mode of Transmission

sexual contact share the largest
percentage at 95%
▪ People who are sharing needles
to inject illegal or prohibited
drugs stands at 3%
▪ Mother-to-Child Transmission and
No Data (unsure or unspecified
mode of transmission) stands
both at 1% each

Sexual Contact IDU MTC No Data

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

▪ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the final stages of HIV

Infection,
▪ It is a condition in which the immune system becomes severely
damaged, making the body highly vulnerable to opportunistic
infections
▪ AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system has become significantly
weakened due to the destruction of CD4+ T-cells, a type of white blood
cell essential for the immune response.
▪ AIDS happens when prolonged and untreated HIV Infection takes place
usually taking around 10 years and beyond
▪ AIDS patients are at risk of contracting various opportunistic infections
and secondary diseases
Key Characteristic of AIDS

▪ Symptoms of AIDS include

1. Weakened Immune System
2. Rapid Weight Loss
3. High Fever and Night Sweats
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes
5. Chronic Diarrhea
6. Sores (Mouth and Genital)
7. Memory Loss
8. Changes of Period Patterns among Females
Opportunistic Infections of AIDS Patient

▪ With a weakened immune system, the body becomes susceptible to a

wide range of infections and diseases that would not normally affect
someone with a healthy immune system. OIs are caused by either viral,
bacterial, fungi or parasitic.
▪ It is not the AIDS that kills a patient but through subsequent infection
they may acquire, such as:
1. Tuberculosis (Bacterial)
2. Pneumonia (Bacterial)
3. Toxoplasmosis (Parasitic)
4. Salmonella (Bacterial)
5. Herpes (Viral)
6. Candidiasis (Fungal)
Social Stigmas
RA 11166

▪ People Living with HIV (PLHIV) often face social stigma and
discrimination, although R.A 11166 or The Philippine HIV and AIDS
Policy Act of 2018 has been passed, there are still discrimination
among members of society, specifically targeting these
marginalized people
▪ R.A 11166 aims for PLHIVs to not be deprived of any employment,
livelihood, micro-finance, self-help, and cooperative programs by
reason of their HIV status.
▪ Although HIV infected, PLHIVs are not deprived of human rights and
privileges. The law also criminalizes any form of discrimination
towards PLHIVs, even imprisoning and fining offending individuals
Social Stigmas

▪ Fear and Misconceptions

A lack of understanding about HIV transmission (such as
the idea that HIV can be spread by casual contact like
hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food) leads to
unfounded fears. This often results in people with HIV
being ostracized or avoided.
▪ Moral Judgments
HIV is often stigmatized as being linked to behaviors
such as unprotected sex, drug use, and promiscuity.
This leads to the perception that people with HIV are
morally flawed or irresponsible, which can result in
social ostracism.
Social Stigmas

▪ Discrimination in Healthcare
PLHIV may experience discrimination from healthcare
providers due to their HIV status, which can affect
access to quality healthcare. Fear of discrimination in
healthcare settings may lead some individuals to hide
their HIV status from providers, preventing them from
receiving the best care available.
▪ Social Isolation
People with HIV may be excluded from social circles,
workplaces, and communities due to the fear or shame
associated with the virus. This can lead to feelings of
loneliness, depression, and alienation.
Social Stigmas

▪ Economic Discrimination
PLHIV may face discrimination in the workplace,
leading to job loss or difficulty in securing
employment due to their HIV status. This can lead to
financial instability and increased vulnerability.
▪ Stigmatization of Vulnerable Groups
Certain groups, such as men who have sex with men
(MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs and the
LGBTQ+ individuals, are particularly vulnerable to
HIV-related stigma.
Getting Tested
Window Periods (CDC.GOV)

▪ Antibody tests can usually detect HIV 23 to 90 days (3 months)

after exposure. Most rapid tests and self-tests are antibody tests.
▪ A Rapid antigen/Antibody test done with blood from a finger stick
can usually detect HIV 18 to 90 days after exposure.
▪ An Antigen/Antibody Lab test using blood from a vein can usually
detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure.
▪ A Nucleic Acid Test can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after
exposure

If you get an HIV test after a potential HIV exposure and the result is
negative, get tested again after the window period (usually 3 months
interval) for the test you took.
Communicating Your Results (HIV Positive)

▪ If you test in a community program or take an HIV self-test and it's

positive, you should go to a health care provider for follow-up testing,
some self-tests may display either a false-positive or false-negative
▪ If you test in a health care setting or a lab and it's positive, the lab will
conduct the follow-up testing, usually on the same blood sample as the
first test. If the same sample tests positive, then you are listed as a
HIV-positive patient
▪ HIV treatment can make the amount of HIV in your body so low that a
test can't detect it (undetectable viral load). Getting and keeping an
undetectable viral load is the best way to stay healthy and protect
others.
▪ As long as subsequent tests may end up UVL, then the person may be
able to have sex without risking infecting their partners but always
consider using protection
Communicating Your Results (HIV Negative)

▪ A negative result doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have HIV.
That's because of the window period (usually 3 months from the date
of exposure)
▪ If you get an HIV test after a potential HIV exposure and the result
is negative, get tested again after the window period for the type of
test you took but if you test again after the window period, have no
possible HIV exposure during that time, and the result is negative,
you do not have HIV.
▪ If you're sexually active or use needles to inject drugs, continue to
take actions to prevent HIV, get tested every 3 months
▪ Testing positive for HIV does not mean you have AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV
disease. However, HIV can lead to AIDS if a person with HIV does
not get treatment or take care of their health.
Prevention
Learning Your ABCDEs

A is for Abstinence
▪ Definitely the most reliable and effective ways to avoid
HIV Infection as it eliminates the risk of contracting the
virus through bodily fluids
▪ This strategy is most commonly recommended for those
who are not in a stable, monogamous relationship or
those who prefer not to be sexually active.
Learning Your ABCDEs

B if for Being Faithful

▪ Or defined as being in a mutual monogamous
relationship means having sex only with one partner,
who is also faithful and HIV-negative.
▪ People with multiple sex partners have the highest risk
of contracting HIV, by choosing your partner well, can
not only protect yourself but the community as well
▪ This approach depends on trust and open
communication between partners to ensure that both
are committed to the relationship and sexually
exclusive.
Learning Your ABCDEs

C is for Condom Use

▪ The correct and consistent use of condoms during
vaginal, anal, or even oral sex is one of the most
effective ways to prevent the transmission of HIV.
▪ Both male and female condoms are available, and they
are especially useful for people who are not in mutually
monogamous relationships or those who may have
multiple sexual partners.
▪ Condoms are readily available and free in your local or
barangay health centers
Learning Your ABCDEs

D is for Detection
▪ Regular HIV testing is crucial for detecting the virus
early, especially for those who may not exhibit
symptoms. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment
and reduces the chances of spreading HIV to others.
▪ Early diagnosis allows people living with HIV (PLHIV) to
start antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the
virus and reduces the risk of transmission to others.
▪ If you are having multiple sex partners or constantly at
risk of HIV, get tested in a regular interval
Learning Your ABCDEs

E is for Education
▪ Comprehensive HIV education and awareness programs
are essential for reducing stigma, understanding the
virus, and knowing how to protect oneself from
infection.
▪ Parents, teachers, schools and the community must
actively partake in the education of the youth
▪ Public health campaigns and education initiatives
promote safer behaviors and encourage people to seek
regular testing and use prevention strategies.
End of Presentation