HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired

immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a
spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Following Initial infection, a person may not notice

any symptoms or may experience a brief period of
influenza-like illness.

Typically, this is followed by a prolonged period with

no symptoms.
 As the Infection progresses, it interferes more with
the immune system, increasing the risk of common
Infections like tuberculosis, as well as other
opportunistic infections, and tumors that rarely
affect people who have weak immune systems.

 These late symptoms of infection are referred to as

AIDS. This stage is often also associated with weight
loss.
 Causes of Spread of HIV
HIV can spread only in certain body fluids from a
person infected with HIV:
Blood
Semen
Pre-seminal fluids
Rectal fluids
Vaginal fluids
Breast milk
 Transmission of Infection
 The HIV spread (HIV transmission) is only possible if these fluids
come in contact with a mucous Membrane or damaged tissue or are
directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe).
 HIV can also spread from an HIV-infected woman to her child during
pregnancy, childbirth (also called labor and delivery) or breastfeeding.
This spread of HIV is called mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
 In the past, some people were infected with HIV after receiving a
blood transfusion or organ or Tissue transplant from an HIV-
infected donor.
 HIV is not spread from casual contact with a person infected with
HIV, for example from a handshake, a hug or a closed-mouth kiss or
from contact with objects such as toilet Seats, doorknobs, or dishes
used by a person infected with HIV.
 Sign and Symptoms

These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days

to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection
may not show up on an HIV test, but people who
have it are highly infectious and can spread the
infection to others.

 Some people who have HIV do not show any

symptoms at all for 10 years or more.
 Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS

 Blood tests are the most common way to diagnose HIV.

 These tests look for antibodies to the virus that the body
creates in an attempt to fight the virus.
 People exposed to the virus should get tested immediately,
although it can take the body anywhere from six weeks to a
year to develop antibodies to the virus.
 Follow-up tests may be needed de- pending on the initial time
of exposure.
 Early testing is crucial. If a person test positive for the virus,
he and his doctor will discuss and develop a treatment plan
that can help fight HIV and ward off complications.
Early testing also can alert a person to avoid high-
risk behavior that can spread the virus to others.
 Most health care providers offer HIV testing, often
with appropriate counseling.
 Anonymous and free testing also is available.
 During testing, doctor will ask about symptoms
medical history and risk factors and perform a
physical examination.
 Tests for HIV and AIDS
ELISA test:
ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV
infection.
If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is
usually administered to confirm the diagnosis.
If an ELISA test is negative, person should be tested
again in one to three months.
Saliva test:
 A cotton pad is used to obtain saliva from the inside
of cheek.
The pad is placed in a vial and submitted to a
laboratory for testing.
 Results are available in three days.
Positive results should be confirmed with a blood
test.

Western blot:
 This is a very sensitive blood test used to confirm a
positive ELISA test result.
Viral load test:
 This test measures the amount of HIV in blood.
Generally, it’s used to monitor treatment progress or
detect early HIV infection.
 Three technologies measure HIV viral load in The
blood: reverse transcription polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR), branched DNA (bDNA) And
Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification assay
(NASBA).
The basic principle of this Tests are similar. HIV is
detected using DNA sequences that bind specifically
to those in the Virus. It is important to note that
results may vary between tests.
 Prevention and Treatment
Exclusion from childcare, preschool, school and work is
not necessary.
Children with HIV infection May be advised to stay away
from school during outbreaks of infectious disease (for
example,Chickenpox) to prevent them getting the
infection.
Health Care Workers with HIV infection must comply
with the requirements of their professional boards.
Although there is no HIV vaccine, HIV infections are
entirely preventable through safe behaviour
Everyone has a responsibility to help prevent transmission
Practising safer sex – use condoms and water based
lubricants for penetrative sex. These reduce The risk of
getting HIV, as well as other sexually transmitted
infections (STIS).
Not sharing any injecting equipment (including
needles, syringes, filters, spoons, swabs, tourniquets).
Safely disposing of found or used needles and syringes
in a sharp safe or other sealable and puncture proof
container.
Always using standard precautions if blood or body
fluids must be handled. This will minimize and
generally eliminate the risk of transmission of HIV.
Covering any open sores, cuts or abrasions with
waterproof dressings.

Understanding the risk of body tattooing or any body

piercing. The risk of being infected with HIV through
these practices is lower than for hepatitis B or hepatitis C,
but there is still a risk If there is use of unsterile
equipment or re-used dyes.

People with HIV or at risk of infection with HIV should

not donate blood, organs or other tissue.In almost all
countries, all donated blood and body organs are
screened for HIV infection
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV
PEP for HIV is a four week treatment that may
prevent person from becoming infected if person
have Been exposed to HIV .

PEP needs to begin as soon as possible within 72

hours after exposure to be effective.
 Prevention of Mother-to-Child
Transmission of HIV

Administration of HIV treatment to HIV-positive

pregnant women during pregnancy and labour ,And
after delivery, as well as to the newborn baby,
dramatically reduces the risk of mother-to-baby
transmission of infection.
 Treatment and Management
HIV treatments (antiretrovirals) are available and all
people with HIV infection have access to this
treatment.
HIV treatment outcomes over a whole lifetime are not
yet known and drug resistance can limit the
treatment options available to the person.
Some of the drugs have significant side effects and all
must be taken very accurately, requiring some effort
on the part of the HIV infected person to take the
medications for a long period, probably for life.
There is no vaccine against HIV. There is no drug yet
which can cure HIV infection.
Using other antiviral drugs and antibiotics to prevent
secondary infection may prevent severe illness and
premature (early) death.
Early treatment, even at the point of diagnosis, is now
recommended.
Regular assessment is important in monitoring the
effects of HIV infection, and in monitoring the effect of
therapy or the development of complications.
Measurement of the viral load and the levels of CD4+
cells assists in indicating the effectiveness Of
treatments.
 Nurse role in prevention of HIV/AIDS
Explain the mode of transmit of HIV virus to the peoples,
especially eligible couples by using different images, videos
etc.
Explain how to use condoms properly every time during
intercourse the individual should use condom separately.
Understand the impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding for
the HIV+ woman
Understand the implications of the aging process of clients
Provide continuous support through ongoing reinforcement
Ensure processes are in place for follow-up e.g. primary care
and public health supports
Screening for pregnant mothers atleat twice during
pregnancy time.
Explain the virus spread and preventive measures to
illiterate peoples.
Motivate not to have multi sexual partners and Teach the
couples that they should try to be faithful towards their
partner.
Communicate with youths and motivate talk regarding their
sexual problems or STD.
Identify high risk groups and educate them regarding HIV
spread and its consequences.
Identify sex workers and motivate them to use condoms
every time during intercourse.
Nurse also have to explain about pre-prophylaxis for high
risk groups
THANK YOU