Analysis of HIV/AIDS

This research paper presents an analysis of HIV/AIDS. Biomedical aspects of the disease, psychosocial aspects of the disease, and ethical issues will be discussed. In April of 2000, HIV/AIDS was declared a threat to American national security by the United States Government. AIDS has become a global political issue, with damaging effects on a country's economic. Mortality rates are expected to rise in many countries. Numbers of orphaned children are increasing (Luo, 2002). While most individuals in developed countries such as the U.S. tend to be aware of HIV/AIDS, a significant number maintain a limited amount of prevention knowledge and do not practice safe behaviors (Stephenson, 2002).

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

Category: Medical - A