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Description of the
Disease
HIV
(Human
Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Over the course of several years, HIV
infections may destroy a particular type of blood cell (CD4+ T
cells) necessary for the normal function of the immune system.
Cumulative damage to the immune function results in AIDS, and
therefore a significant reduction in the body's ability to fight off
life-threatening infections.
Early
detection of HIV infection allows for more options for treatment and
preventative care. A test is available to detect this
illness.
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Related
Health Department Web Links
Related
Outside Websites
Washington
State Department
of Health
Center
for Disease Control
HIV/AIDS
Education Trainings
Red
Cross
360-423-7880
Workplace
Wellness
360-414-2332
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What
services are provided by Health Department professionals for Cowlitz County?
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Transmission
HIV has been shown to be spread through bodily fluids, by unprotected sexual
intercourse (including anal, oral and vaginal sex), and by sharing drug
injection syringes and drug equipment with others. Rarely, it can be
acquired through other exposures to blood. The virus can also be passed from a mother to baby
at pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding stages. Also, if you have had a blood or
blood clotting factor transfusion before 1985, you may have been exposed to HIV.
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Populations
At Risk
People at high risk of HIV infection include homosexual and bisexual males,
intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs, prostitutes or sexual partners of these
persons, and those that have had other sexually transmitted diseases,
such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, venereal warts, genital herpes and
syphilis. Those individuals that already have compromised immune systems,
(due to
illnesses such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and diabetes) are also at
greater risk.
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Symptoms
You
might have HIV and feel perfectly healthy. The only way to know for
sure if you are infected is to be tested. Signs of AIDS
include unexplained, persistent swollen glands, night sweats, fever,
chills, unexplained weight loss of more than 10 pounds in less than
2 months, and immobilizing fatigue.
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Prevention of AIDS
If you have tested positive for HIV,
there are many things that you can do to avoid a full-blown case
of AIDS. Your physician can prescribe antiviral medication to slow the
progression of the disease.
Immunize yourself against influenza,
pneumonia, Hepatitis A & B.
Follow a healthy lifestyle. If you
smoke or use drugs, quit. Eat the number of servings of fruits
and vegetables and other foods recommended by the USDA. Engage in
regular physical activity and get adequate amounts of rest. See the
Health Education web pages of this website for more information.
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Potential
Complications
Those with HIV or
AIDS have compromised immune systems, and therefore are more prone
to contract highly infectious diseases. Many people develop
pneumonia, and often die. Some may also become afflicted with
Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare from of cancer characterized by purple or
brownish lesions.
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Diagnosis
& Treatment
The HIV-AIDS blood test identifies antibodies to HIV. When a person is infected
by a virus, the body’s immune system normally begins to fight the
infection with substances called antibodies, produced by white blood
cells. Antibodies, therefore, indicate that a person has been
infected by a specific virus.
Currently, there is
no cure for AIDS. However, there are a variety of antiretroviral
medications available by prescription that will retard its growth
and progression in the body.
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Prevention of
HIV
The surest way to
avoid contracting HIV is to abstain
from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous
relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known
to be uninfected. Latex condoms, when used
consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk
of transmission.
Do not get tattoos or body
piercing. Do not share
personal care items such as
razors and toothbrushes. Do not inject drugs. If you already "shoot"
drugs and can’t stop, do not share needles or "works". If you are a
heath care worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and
safely handle syringes.
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