|
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Description:
AIDS is a term used to apply to the
most advanced stages of HIV infection. By killing or damaging
cells of the body’s immune system, HIV progressively
destroys the body’s ability to fight off certain bacteria,
viruses, fungi, parasites, and other microbes.
Incidence
More than 900,000 cases of AIDS have
been reported in the United States since 1981.
As many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, one-quarter
of whom are unaware of their infection.
The epidemic is growing most rapidly
among minority populations and is a leading killer of African-American
males ages 25 to 44.
AIDS affects nearly seven times
more African Americans and three times more Hispanics than
whites.
In recent years, an increasing number
of African-American women and children are being affected
by HIV/Aids.
In 2003, two thirds of U.S. AIDS
cases in both women and children were among African-Americans.
The risk of healthcare workers being exposed to HIV on the
job is very low, especially if they follow universal precautions.
The average risk of HIV transmission
after a needle-puncture of the skin with HIV-infected blood
has been estimated to be approximately 0.3% and after a
mucous membrane exposure, approximately 0.09%
Early signs and Symptoms
Within a month or two after exposure
to the virus, symptoms may imitate a flue-like illness:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Enlarged lymph nodes or “swollen glands”
Other symptoms often experienced months
to years before the onset of AIDS include:
Lack of energy
Weight loss
Frequent fevers and sweats
Persistent or frequent yeast infections ( oral or vaginal)
Persistent skin rashes or flaky skin
Pelvic inflammatory disease in women that does not respond
to treatment
Short term memory loss
The Main ways HIV is transmitted are
by:
1. Having sex (anal, vaginal,
or oral)
2. Sharing needles and syringes with someone who has HIV
3. Exposure (in the case of infants) to HIV before or during
birth, or through breastfeeding
It is rare for a patient to
give HIV to a healthcare worker or vice versa by accidental
sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments
HIV is not transmitted by:
Shaking hands
Hugging or a casual kiss
Toilet seats
Drinking fountains
Door Knobs
Dishes
Drinking Glasses
Food
Pets
Mosquitoes or bedbugs
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV
Abstain from having sex or use male
latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms. Proper use
may reduce transmission.
Do not inject drug. Never share drugs,
needles or syringes
Consider the risk if you are thinking
about getting a tattoo or body piercing
If you are a designated first aid
provider healthcare or public safety worker, assume that
the blood and other body fluids from all patients are potentially
infectious.
Always follow universal precautions
and safely handle needles and other sharps.
|
