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, or from a blood transfusion (today all blood in the U.S. is tested for HIV). HIV is also passed from mother to fetus. Body fl

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is recommended that to treat HIV, a combination drug treatment be used. This is called Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) and it combines three or more drugs. Negative side effects may include: liver problems, fat maldistribution, high cholesterol, diabetes, increased bleeding in hemophiliacs, decreased bone density, and skin rash. Less severe effects include: fever, nausea, and fatigue, but these symptoms may indicate a serious problem and need to be reported to the physician (HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service, 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. Drug intolerance and drug failure require changes in medications. 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
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