HIV/AIDSAWARENESS

01 Dec 14

Theme for 2014

What Actually Happens in HIV/ AIDS

HIV infects White Blood Cells called CD4 cells and makes copies of itself

Infects more CD4 Cells

Number of CD4 Cells Reduce

Body’s Immunity Reduces

Multiple Severe Infections and Cancers ….AIDS

Modes of HIV Transmission

1. Window Period

• Time between Infection and appearance of antibodies in body fluids

• 3 weeks to 3 months…..upto 6 months

• No symptoms

• HIV Test NEGATIVE

2. Seroconversion

Acute Seroconversion Illness

• Flu like Symptoms…Cough, cold, fever, sore throat

• HIV Test Positive

• Persists for 7-10 days

3. Asymptomatic Phase

• No symptoms for 2-8 years

• Patient is INFECTIVE

• HIV Test POSITIVE

AIDS

• Last Stage of HIV Infection

4. AIDS

• Severe Unexplained Weight Loss

• Severe Lung Infections….TB, Pneumocystis

• Severe Skin Infections..Herpes

• Rare types of Cancers…Kaposi’s sarcoma

• Lymph Node Enlargement due to infections

• HIV Test POSITIVE

LAB TESTS FOR HIV

Screening TestsELISARapid Tests

ConfirmationWestern Blot

Specialized Tests

Viral Load

Specific Tests for Viral Antigens

DNA PCR for detecting Viral presence

• Consent of Patient and Pretest Counseling Is a MUST before testing for HIV Testing

• Absolute Secrecy about Results

PREVENTION AND CURE

• As of now, NO DEFINITIVE CURE

• PREVENTION IS BEST CURE FOR HIV

• Medicines help in prolonging Life and Improve Quality of Life..DO NOT Cure

First Step In Prevention of HIV….AWARENESS

Prevent HIV

Medicines for Preventing HIV

• Post Exposure Prophylaxis.

• After exposure to infected fluids…

• SOONER THE BETTER

Pregnancy and HIV

• Preventable to some extent if Medication started during pregnancy

• All babies born to HIV +veMothers will test +ve upto18 months of age

• Actual Status ascertained thereafter

Medicines If HIV +ve

• Lifelong

• Depending on CD4 Counts

• Have Side Effects BUT Help in prolonging Life span and improving Quality of Life

Support for HIV +ve cases

• Professional Counseling

• Education and Awareness

• Proper Medication

• Psychological Support…Friends and Family, Support Groups