HIV Flashcards
CD4 cells direct and coordinate other cells in the immune system to
Battle infections
HIV infects and destroys an important type of cell in the body’s immune system known as the
T-helper (TH) cell, also known as the CD4 cell.
When CD4 cells are destroyed, the body loses _____________.
its ability to fight off infections
HIV Infection is characterized by
a steady decline in the number of CD4 cells
Infections that develop as a result of HIV-inflicted damage to the immune system are called
“opportunistic infections” or “OIs”
When someone with HIV develops an opportunistic infection, they are diagnosed with
AIDS
In the past, virtually all patients diagnosed with AIDS did what?
died within a few years
Now,withtreatment, many patients diagnosed with AIDS are _____.
surviving many years with the disease
The HIV viral load is simply a measure of the quantity of HIV
in a drop (mL) of a patient’s blood, and it is usually measured in copies/mL
In general,the-higher the viral load, the faster ______________.
CD4 cells are destroyed
How to handle coping____________.
• Ask about sources of social support – Friends, family
– Community organizations
• Offer counseling
• What are some risk factors for acquiring HIV?
injection drug user (for years).
unprotected sex
Why do we care about when HIV IS contracted?
• Resistance
What is resistance?
– Increasing transmission of drug-resistant HIV strains
When is resistance testing indicated?
– Resistance testing generally indicated for patients infected within the past 2-3 years, even if antiretroviral therapy is not being considered in the near future.
