Analysis of HIV/AIDS

HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus which kills CD4 cells in the body. These cells, also called T-helper cells, are responsible for helping the body fight infection and disease. HIV is passed from one person to another. AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, develops in an HIV-infected person. AIDS develops when HIV destroys the body's immune system. Reduction of the amount of Virus with anti-HIV drugs can slow down this immune destruction. Anyone can get HIV, by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with HIV, by sharing a needle and syringe, from a blood transfusion (today all blood in the U.S. is tested for HIV), or passed from mother to fetus. Body fluids that tra

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ice, 2002). Drugs should result in a decreased viral load; tests at 2-8 weeks are required to determine drug effectiveness. Once effectiveness is established, tests must continue every 3-4 months to determine is this level is maintained. Factors that may affect drug results include baseline viral load and CD4+ T cell count, prior use of HIV drugs, presence of AIDS-related illnesses, and treatment adherence. Pregnancy brings further considerations; zidovudine (AZT) alone or with other drugs reduces risk of passing HIV to the baby by 70% (HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service, 2002). Prevention and adherence are considered in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. High-risk behaviors such as needle sharing and unprotected sex must be eliminated. Other factors which result in reduction of sexual transmission of HIV include: genital irritation, menstruation, lack of circumcision in men, taking birth control pills, hormone imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and presence of a sexually transmitted infection. Adherence is an important issue in treatment since it affects medication results and it prevents drug resistance. Patients may have a problem adhering to the HIV treatment plan since they are complicated, involving taking 25
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Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page)

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