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HIV/AIDS ~Facts vs. Myths

HIV/AIDS ~Facts vs. Myths. Presented By: Ms. Mack Chemistry I and Physical Science Honors December 15, 2008. What is HIV?. The acronym “HIV” stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a retrovirus- . The Mechanism of HIV. There are several stands of the virus.

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HIV/AIDS ~Facts vs. Myths

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  1. HIV/AIDS~Facts vs. Myths Presented By: Ms. Mack Chemistry I and Physical Science Honors December 15, 2008

  2. What is HIV? • The acronym “HIV” stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. • HIV is a retrovirus-

  3. The Mechanism of HIV • There are several stands of the virus. • HIV enters the body and attacks the hosts’ immune system, (white blood cells). • The body’s immune system is based upon B cells (memory) and T cells (target). • HIV enters the T-cells (specifically CD4), replicates and in turn, weaken the body’s immunity.

  4. How does one become exposed? • Sexual intercourse • Sharing needles • Mother to Child • Blood transfusions • Transplants/surgeries

  5. How is HIV contracted? • Transmission of Bodily Fluids • Blood • Semen • Vaginal Secretions • HIV has yet to be contracted exclusively from kissing, coughing, touching, or holding hands.

  6. Why is HIV so harmful? • The immune system is the most important line of defense for the human body. • HIV compromises one’s immune system, causing it grow helpless against other illnesses. • If undetected and untreated, HIV can develop to AIDS.

  7. Continued… • A person may live with HIV for 10 years or longer with no symptoms (asymptomatic). • Some symptoms include: flu-like systems: fever, chills, rash, soar throat • If properly treated, a small group of people never develop AIDS at all. • Early detection is key.

  8. What is AIDS? • “AIDS” stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome- the disease that results from HIV. • When the body’s T-cell count is detected to be lower than 200, a person is diagnosed with AIDS. • The diagnosis of AIDS represents a weakened immune system, but does not kill of itself.

  9. Opportunistic Diseases… • Those with AIDS are in danger of fatalities from other diseases and infections, termed “opportunistic” diseases. • These may include pneumonia, bacterial and parasitic infections, viruses and fungal infections.

  10. Detection • HIV can be detected! However, it is possible that the virus is dormant for a window of 3-6 months after contraction. • Early detection is key: • Confidential HIV tests • Anonymous testing • Blood Test • Oral Swap

  11. Prognosis • People with HIV, or AIDS can lead normal lives. • There are TREATMENTS for HIV and/or AIDS. However, a cure has yet to be found. • One commonly used treatment is HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).

  12. Statistics • Since the beginning of this great epidemic, more than half a million people have died in the United States. • There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States, 1/5 of those are unaware.

  13. U.S. Population Breakdown

  14. Percentage of AIDS Diagnoses in 2006 • White, non-Hispanics (30%) • African Americans (46%) • Hispanics (19%) • Asian/Pacific Islander (1%) • Native American (0%)

  15. Why is this important? • December is HIV/AIDS awareness month! • Share what you know with your peers, family and friends and be encouraged to have healthy practices towards disease prevention • Scientists seek to find the cure to this and many other diseases that plaque the world today. • Awareness leads to understanding. Understanding leads to prevention. Prevention saves lives.

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