HIV / AIDS

A Term Paper

Presented to

Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

Sorsogon State University - Bulan Campus

Bulan , Sorsogon

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the course

GE 3- The Contemporary World

Submitted by:

Cindy G. Garalde

Ma. Monica Gaton

Mark Roland G. De Leon

Maryjane B. Generalo

Saira G. Gabelo
 May 23, 2022

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has always been one of the most thoroughly global of diseases. The human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lent virus that causes HIV infection and AIDS. AIDS

is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-

threatening infections and cancers to thrive. Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of

blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk. Within these bodily fluids, HIV is present as

both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells. HIV infects vital cells in

the human immune system such as helper CD4 T cells, macrophages. HIV infection leads

to low levels of T cells through a number of mechanisms, including pyroptosis of

infected T cells. The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of conditions that do not

normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions

are opportunistic infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are

normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages. When

condoms are used consistently by a couple in which one person is infected, the rate of

HIV infection is less than 1% per year. There is some evidence to suggest that female

condoms may provide an equivalent level of protection.

I. Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

(HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual may

not notice any symptoms, or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness.
Typically, this is followed by a prolonged incubation period with no symptoms. If the

infection progresses, it interferes more with the immune system, increasing the risk of

developing common infections such as tuberculosis, as well as other opportunistic

infections, and tumors which are otherwise rare in people who have normal immune

function. These late symptoms of infection are referred to as acquired immunodeficiency

syndrome (AIDS). This stage is often also associated with unintended weight loss.

HIV/AIDS has not however caused a far reaching plague within the Philippines. Rates in

all the normal chance bunches (sex laborers, men who have sex with men, STD clients,

returning abroad specialists, etc.) have remained below 1%, but in some regions, where

they are still as it were 1-2% in a few hazard bunches. The moo level of HIV may be due

in portion to the moo number of sex specialist clients per night, the moderately moo

number of full-time sex laborers, the moo extent of injectors among sedate clients, the

early multisectoral reaction to the scourge, and the nearness of social cleanliness clinics

for sex specialists. The frequency of STDs, numerous accomplices, and infusion medicate

utilize with needle sharing, be that as it may, is expanding, recommending that an

hazardous plague seem happen in case the infection is presented into the suitable chance

bunches. The Philippine government has gone up against the issue of HIV/AIDS

forcefully with an activity arrange that incorporates an accentuation on the reaction of the

nearby government organizations, involvement.

The World Health Organisation – the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a

retrovirus that infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function.

As the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and the person

becomes more susceptible to infections. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-

infected person to develop AIDS; antiretroviral drugs can slow down the process even

further.

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion

of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, and between a mother and her

infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Without addressing the problems

caused by the HIV virus no real progress can be made. In previous years the WHO

included funding for voluntary testing and counselling, through an HIV and AIDS

support group at Different places around the world. However, peer education for HIV and

AIDS prevention is proving to be far more effective. School leavers have received

extesive training to perform workshops in schools and communities. WHO have

sponsored some 500 AIDS orphans in education, empowering them with knowledge to

avoid the spread of HIV. We provide assistance for HIV mothers and orphans and

funding for treatment for patients suffering from this debilitating disease

While very rare, in the past HIV has been spread to a person receiving blood or organs

from an infected donor. However, this risk is very small because blood banks and organ

donor programs thoroughly check (screen) donors, blood, and tissues.

Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives if they get and stay on ART. It's also

important to take care of yourself. Making sure that you have the support you need, living

a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular medical care can help you enjoy a better quality of

life.
The HIV and AIDS support group, made up entirely of volunteers, work tirelessly to

sensitise the communities, help to remove the stigma and offer voluntary testing and

counselling. The Butterfly Tree supports these projects in order to reduce the number of

new cases. In The Philippines one in six adults have HIV and in the Livingstone area,

27% of the population are living with HIV. There are also many children who have been

tested positive. Every family is infected or affected by this devastating disease. Our aim

is to spread awareness through education, particularly targeting school children, who can

make the change. This Study aims to Provide Knowledge and Precautions to all Youth

who are Doing Sexual intercourse without protection . This Study provides learning that

will help Youth to be more Aware of the epidemic and prevent it from spreading.

II. Statement of the Problem

In order to understand the HIV/AIDS Of youth and the Citizens, they are required to do

some studies and Reading and be aware of this Issue. Thus, this study seeks to determine

the precautionary measures and Preventions that can be used to prevent HIV/AIDS from

its continuous spread. Specifically, this study seeks to address the following;

1. What is HIV/AIDS in terms of its;

• Definition

• Cause of spreading

- More often

- Less often

- Can’t spread by

2. HIV/AIDS ideas in;

 • Prevention

• Diagnosis

• Treatment

3. How many is the affected population of the viruses?

III. FINDINGS / DISCUSSION

Definition

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more

vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily

fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a

condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug

equipment.

Is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more

vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily

fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a

condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug

equipment.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency

syndrome).

The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you

have HIV, you have it for life.

However, by taking HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with

HIV can live long and healthy lives and prevent transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.

In addition, there are effective methods to prevent getting HIV through sex or drug use,

including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

First identified in 1981, HIV is the cause of one of humanity’s deadliest and most

persistent epidemics.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens

people's defense against many infections and some types of cancer that people with

healthy immune systems can fight off. As the virus destroys and impairs the function of

immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. Immune function

is typically measured by CD4 cell count.

The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

(AIDS), which can take many years to develop if not treated, depending on the

individual. AIDS is defined by the development of certain cancers, infections or other

severe long-term clinical manifestations.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is

badly damaged because of the virus.

In the U.S., most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine

every day as prescribed stops the progression of the disease.

A person with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when:

• the number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood

(200 cells/mm3). (In someone with a healthy immune system, CD4 counts are

between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.) OR

• they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of their CD4 count.

Without HIV medicine, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. Once someone

has a dangerous opportunistic illness, life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1

year. HIV medicine can still help people at this stage of HIV infection, and it can even be

lifesaving. But people who start ART soon after they get HIV experience more benefits—

that’s why HIV testing is so important.

Cause of Spreading;

The virus is spread (transmitted) person-to-person through certain body fluids:

• Blood

• Semen and preseminal fluid

• Rectal fluids
 • Vaginal fluids

• Breast milk

• Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex. Receptive anal sex is the riskiest. Having

multiple partners also increases the risk. Using a new condom correctly every

time you have sex greatly helps lower this risk.

• Using drugs and sharing needles or syringes.

• Having a sexual partner with HIV who is not taking HIV medicines.

• Having a sexually-transmitted disease (STD).

HIV can be spread if these fluids come in contact with:

• Mucous membranes (inside of the mouth, penis, vagina, rectum)

• Damaged tissue (tissue that has been cut or scraped)

• Injection into the blood stream

• HIV cannot be spread through sweat, saliva, or urine.

In the Philippines , HIV is mainly spread:

• Through vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom

or is not taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV

• Through needle sharing or other equipment used to inject drugs with someone

who has HIV

Less often, HIV is spread:

• From mother to child. A pregnant woman can spread the virus to her fetus

through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can pass it to her baby
 through her breast milk. Testing and treatment of HIV-positive mothers has

helped lower the number of babies getting HIV.

• Through needle sticks or other sharp objects that are contaminated with HIV

(mainly health care workers).

The virus is NOT spread by:

• Casual contact, such as hugging or closed-mouth kissing

• Mosquitoes or pets

• Participating in sports

• Touching items that were touched by a person infected with the virus

• Eating food handled by a person with HIV

• Saliva of a positive person

• Living with a positive person

• HIV and blood or organ donation:

• HIV is not spread to a person who donates blood or organs. People who donate

organs are never in direct contact with the people who receive them. Likewise, a

person who donates blood is never in contact with the person receiving it. In all of

these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used.

• While very rare, in the past HIV has been spread to a person receiving blood or

organs from an infected donor. However, this risk is very small because blood

banks and organ donor programs thoroughly check (screen) donors, blood, and

tissues.

Risk factors for getting HIV include:

*Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex. Receptive anal sex is the riskiest. *Having

multiple partners also increases the risk. Using a new condom correctly every time you

have sex greatly helps lower this risk.

*Using drugs and sharing needles or syringes.

*Having a sexual partner with HIV who is not taking HIV medicines.

*Having a sexually-transmitted disease (STD).

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

The first signs of HIV infection may be flu-like symptoms:

• Fever

• Chills

• Rash

• Night sweats

• Muscle aches

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Swollen

• Lymph nodes

• Mouth ulcers
These symptoms may come and go within two to four weeks. This stage is called acute

HIV infection.

If the infection is not treated, it becomes chronic HIV infection. Often, there are no

symptoms during this stage. If it is not treated, eventually the virus will weaken your

body's immune system. Then the infection will progress to AIDS. This is the late stage of

HIV infection. With AIDS, your immune system is badly damaged. You can get more

and more severe infections. These are known as opportunistic infections (OIs).

Some people may not feel sick during the earlier stages of HIV infection. So the only

way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested.

Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment

Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. You can use strategies such as

abstinence (not having sex), never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way

every time you have sex. You may also be able to take advantage of HIV prevention

medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis

(PEP). If you have HIV, there are many actions you can take to prevent transmitting HIV

to others.

This section answers some of the most common questions about HIV prevention.

• Protect yourself during sex

- Choose sex that is less risky than anal or vaginal sex. There is little to no

risk of getting HIV through oral sex.

 - You can’t get HIV from sexual activities that don’t involve contact with

body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, or blood).

• Protect yourself if you inject drugs

- Never Share Needles, Syringes, or Other Drug Injection Equipment

- Use new, clean syringes and injection equipment every time you inject.

- Many communities have syringe services programs (SSPs) where you can

get new needles and syringes and safely dispose of used ones.

- Some pharmacies sell needles without a prescription.

• Protect others if you have HIV/AIDS

- Get in care and take medicine to treat HIV.

- HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) can reduce the

amount of HIV in the blood (called viral load). HIV medicine can make

the viral load very low—so low that a test can’t detect it (called an

undetectable viral load).

- People with HIV who keep an undetectable viral load (or stay virally

suppressed) can live long, healthy lives. Viral suppression is defined as

having less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.

- If a person has an undetectable viral load, they have effectively no risk of

transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.

- Having an undetectable viral load also helps prevent transmission to others

through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment, and from

mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

- Most people can get the virus under control within six months.
 - Taking ART does not prevent transmission of other sexually transmitted

diseases (STDs).

• Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission

- Get Tested for HIV As Soon As Possible to Know Your Status

- The earlier HIV is diagnosed and treated, the more effectively HIV

medicine will prevent transmission to your baby.

- If you or your partner engage in behaviors that put you at risk for HIV, get

tested again in your third trimester.

- You should also encourage your partner to get tested for HIV.

- If you have HIV and take HIV medicine as prescribed throughout

pregnancy and childbirth, and give HIV medicine to your baby for 4 to 6

weeks after giving birth, your risk of transmitting HIV to your baby can be

1% or less.

- After delivery, you can prevent transmitting HIV to your baby by avoiding

breastfeeding, since breast milk contains HIV.

- If your partner has HIV, encourage your partner to get and stay on

treatment. This will help prevent your partner from transmitting HIV to

you. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and

keep an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting

HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.

• Condoms

Most condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and certain other sexually

transmitted diseases (STDs), like gonorrhea and chlamydia.

 - Condoms provide less protection against STDs that can be transmitted

through sores or cuts on the skin, like human papillomavirus, genital

herpes, and syphilis.

- Condoms help prevent HIV for higher risk sexual activities like anal or

vaginal sex, and for lower risk activities, like oral sex and sharing sex

toys.

- You can buy condoms at many stores or online, and you can sometimes

get them for free from clinics or health departments.

What are the main types of condoms?

There are two main types of condoms: condoms used externally and condoms used

internally.

An external condom (sometimes called a male condom or just a condom) is worn over

the penis during sex. It is a thin layer of latex, plastic, synthetic rubber, or natural

membrane.

- Latex condoms provide the best protection against HIV.

- Plastic (polyurethane) or synthetic rubber condoms are good for people

with latex allergies. Note: Plastic condoms break more often than latex

condoms.

- Natural membrane (such as lambskin) condoms have small holes in them

and don’t block HIV and other STDs. These should not be used for HIV or

STD prevention.
An internal condom (sometimes called a female condom) is used in the vagina or anus

during sex. It is a thin pouch made of a synthetic latex product called nitrile. HIV can’t

travel through the nitrile barrier.

• PrEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent

getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly

effective for preventing HIV.

PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

- PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken

as prescribed.

- Although there is less information about how effective PrEP is among

people who inject drugs, we do know that PrEP reduces the risk of getting

HIV by at least 74% when taken as prescribed.

- PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken as prescribed.

• PEP

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a

possible exposure. PEP Must Be Started Within 72 Hours of Possible Exposure to

HIV. Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your health care provider, an

emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve

recently been exposed to HIV:

- during sex (for example, if the condom broke),

 - through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for

example, cookers), or if you’ve been sexually assaulted.

The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP,

you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days.

- PEP is for Emergency Situations

- PEP is given after a possible exposure to HIV.

- PEP is not a substitute for regular use of other HIV prevention.

- PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV

frequently.

- If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, such as through repeated exposures to

HIV, talk to your health care provider about PrEP (pre-exposure

prophylaxis).

IV. SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It harms your immune system by

destroying a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection. This puts you at

risk for serious infections and certain cancers. AIDS stands for acquired

immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of infection with HIV. It happens when

the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. Not everyone with

HIV develops AIDS.

HIV can spread in different ways:

 • Through unprotected sex with a person with HIV. This is the most common way

that it spreads.

• By sharing drug needles

• Through contact with the blood of a person with HIV

• From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups have a higher risk of getting it:

• People who have another sexually transmitted disease (STD). Having an *

STD can increase your risk of getting or spreading HIV.

• People who inject drugs with shared needles

• Gay and bisexual men, especially those who are Black/African American or

Hispanic/Latino American

• People who engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as not using condoms

A blood test can tell if you have HIV infection. Your health care provider can do the test,

or you can use a home testing kit. You can also use the CDC Testing Locator to find free

testing sites.

There is no cure for HIV infection, but it can be treated with medicines. This is called

antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can make HIV infection a manageable chronic

condition. It also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others. Most people with HIV

live long and healthy lives if they get and stay on ART. It's also important to take care of

yourself. Making sure that you have the support you need, living a healthy lifestyle, and

getting regular medical care can help you enjoy a better quality of life.
You can reduce the risk of spreading HIV by Getting tested for HIV

Choosing less risky sexual behaviors. This includes limiting the number of sexual

partners you have and using latex condoms every time you have sex. If your or your

partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.Getting tested and treated

for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Not injecting drugs. Talking to your health care

provider about medicines to prevent HIV: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is for people

who don't already have HIV but are at very high risk of getting it. PrEP is daily medicine

that can reduce this risk. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who have

possibly been exposed to HIV. It is only for emergency situations. PEP must be started

within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. NIH: National Institutes of Health.

Affected Population of the Viruses

The number of new infections in the Philippines has more than doubled in the past six (6)

years from an estimated 4,300 in 2010 to an estimated 10,500 in 2016. The Philippines

has become the country with the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific,

and has become one of eight countries that account for more than 85% of new HIV

infections in the region.

While the country has the fastest growing epidemic in terms of percentage increase, the

number of new infections in the Philippines is not as high as several countries in the

region which are estimated to have tens of thousands of new infections annually.

“The Philippines has a small window of opportunity to act now and stop a major HIV

epidemic from taking hold,” said Eamonn Murphy, Director UNAIDS Regional Support

Team for Asia-Pacific. “If HIV programming is re-directed to focus on the people most at

risk and where they are located, I’m sure the country can not only return to a stable

situation but even end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.”

While the Philippines has controlled the HIV epidemic among female sex workers, the

country noted a shift in the epidemic in 2007, notably among males who have sex with

males then persons who inject drugs, and has therefore scaled-up services tailored to

other key risk populations since that time. The Philippine data showed that in 2016, 83%

of newly reported HIV cases occurred among males who have sex with males (MSM)

and transgender women who have sex with males (TGW). Majority of the new infections

are occurring among 15 to 24 year old MSM and TGW.

In 2015, only 35% of 15 to 24 year-old MSM and TGW had correct knowledge on HIV

transmission and prevention. This is indicative of the need to step up HIV information

efforts in eliciting behavioral change among people at risk of infection. Condom use

among MSM and TGW has increased from 36% in 2011 to 50% in 2015, which is still

below the 80% target. The percentage of MSM and TGW who knew their HIV status by

getting tested increased from 5% in 2011 to 16% in 2015; however, this still remains low.

HIV testing is the necessary step to access life-saving antiretroviral medications.

The Philippines has retooled its program to expand HIV services for males who have sex

with males and transgender women and has opened clinics that cater specifically to their

needs in urban areas, where the risk of HIV is higher. The strategy is to focus on 117

cities where 80% of the new infections have been reported and to open in each such city

at least one HIV clinic which has convenient evening hours for working people, and is a

one-stop shop that provides prevention, counseling, laboratory work-up, and treatment

services. These are the Sundown clinics. The government has also taken measures

towards enabling rapid HIV screening and delivery of test results.

The Department of Health is providing antiretroviral (ARV) medicine for free to anyone

who tests positive for HIV, as well as other out-patient services to a maximum of PHP

30,000 ($US 600) a year per person. Between 2013 and 2015, the government increased

funding for the HIV program, and now shoulders 70% of all financing for its response.

Local governments have also stepped-up their efforts by providing resources and

implementing innovative HIV prevention services appropriate for their locales. For

example, Quezon City has opened three Sundown clinics which provide rapid HIV

testing and counseling for MSM and TGW, as well as HIV treatment in a non-

stigmatizing environment. The city has increased its funding for such initiatives since

2012, and is leading a push to encourage other local government units to invest more.

“HIV is one of the top health priorities for the government of the Philippines,” said Dr.

Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, the Secretary of the Department of Health. “We have

significantly increased the budget allocated to HIV in the past few years, and are now

implementing programs which we expect to have a positive impact. The Department of

Health, together with the Philippine National AIDS Council, other government agencies,

local government units, and partner civil society groups is determined and committed to

halt the increase in the number of cases and start reversing the trend of the epidemic in

five (5) years.”

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person

becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. As the

immune system weakens, the person is at risk of getting life-threatening infections and

cancers. When that happens, the illness is called AIDS. Once a person has the virus, it

stays inside the body for life.

REFERENCES

Journal of AIDS and HIV research , volume 7 number 9 October 2015,

ISSN2141-2359

HIV and Aids Prevention - Education is essential https://medlineplus.gov/hivaids.html

Ad·https://www.rinj.org/hiv

Europe PMC Funders' Group https://europepmc.org/article/med/9795558

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/742429/hiv-an-epidemic-among-high-risk-groups-in-8-ph-

cities-p600m-sought-to-stop-virus

Philippines HIV/AIDS Epidemic - Educate, teach & prevent HIV ( RINJ Staff Writers

On 05/14/2021, 7:25 am)

Ad·https://www.thebutterflytree.org.uk/

UNICEF http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/library/towards-aids-UNICEF

freegeneration-children-and-aids-unicef-sixth-stocktaking-report-2013

UNICEF http://data.unaids.org/Topics/ME/me_nationalresponseovc_guide_en.pdf

UNICEF http://www.unicef.org/ceecis/UFCglob.pdf

Prevention | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC "https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-

prevention/mother-to-child.html" https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-prevention/mother-

to-child.html