HIV/AIDS
HIV
HIV
causes
AIDS.
HIV
stands
for
human
immunodeficiency virus.
It breaks down the immune system our body's
protection against disease.
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.
Meaning
AIDS is the acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: A= Acquired: The condition occurs after birth and is not passed on genetically I= Immune: The bodys immune system
D= Deficiency: A lack, degeneration, decline
S=Syndrome: Group of Symptoms AIDS means having a group of symptoms
acquired from a deficiency in the bodys immune
system
History of HIV/AIDS
Till 1970- early 1980: It was uncommon 1981: Discovered in US Then it spreads to Africa and other countries In US & Europe, the disease was first seen among
men who had sex with other men
Causes of AIDS
AIDS is caused by a virus known as HIV
Once HIV enters the body, it lives and grows in the
blood cells and body fluids of the infected persons It infects the white blood cells
Symptoms
Some people develop HIV symptoms shortly after being
infected. But it usually takes more than 10 years. There are several stages of HIV disease. The first HIV symptoms may include swollen glands in the throat, armpit, or groin. Other early HIV symptoms include slight fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms may last for only a few weeks. Then there are usually no HIV symptoms for many years. That is why it can be hard to know if you have HIV.
AIDS symptoms appear in the most advanced stage
of HIV disease. In addition to a badly damaged immune system, a person with AIDS may also have thrush a thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat periods of extreme and unexplained tiredness that may be combined with headaches, light headedness, and/or dizziness quick loss of more than 10 pounds of weight that is not due to increased physical exercise or dieting
unexplained bleeding from growths on the skin, from the
mouth, nose, anus, or vagina, or from any opening in the body frequent or unusual skin rashes severe numbness or pain in the hands or feet, the loss of muscle control and reflex, paralysis, or loss of muscular strength confusion, personality change, or decreased mental abilities
How HIV spreads
HIV is transmitted in blood, semen, vaginal fluids,
and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is spread are by Having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom with someone who has HIV/AIDS Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV/AIDS Being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with HIV Getting HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores
Prevention
The surest way is to abstain from sexual intercourse and
from sharing needles Many people have been infected with HIV by sharing needles. If you are using needles for steroids, hormones, or other drugs Don't share personal items that may have blood on them. This includes toothbrushes, razors, needles for piercing or tattooing, and blades for cutting or scarring.
If you choose to have sex, have safer sex to reduce
the risk of exchanging blood, semen, or vaginal fluids with your sex partner(s).
Impact on Individual and Families
The psychological burden and stress affect their
overall mental health, and depression is common among parents and caregivers as they struggle with financial limitations
Social Stigma HIV can also have an effect on relationships between
family members.
Chronic illness in the parent can change family roles
causing anger or guilt.
Family members can become isolated. The ability of HIV-positive parents and caregivers to
care for their children is also impaired
HIV/AIDS can also affect childrens normal childhood. Children from families living with HIV/AIDS often have to
deal with psychosocial stress, an ill caregiver, reduced parenting capacity, a shift in family structure, financial
deprivation, and stigma and discrimination.
These challenges can lead to emotional and behavioral
changes in children, such as depression and delinquency.
HIV/AIDS and Women
Source of Infection
Lack of Control over husband
Poor access to health care facilities
Blame Isolation and Stigma Delay in diagnosis
Rights of the PLHA
Response to Discrimination at workplace Response to discrimination in education Response to maintaining confidentiality
