HIV & AIDS Flashcards
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
The Immune System
Is composed of specialized organs and cells that protect the body against infection and the growth of malignant cells
Lymphocytes are small white blood cells, the primary cells of the immune system
Lymphocytes are divided into T-lymphocytes (T-cells) as they originate in the thymus and B-lymphocytes (B-cells) which mature in the bone marrow and the remaining lymphocytes which are called natural killer cells
T-cells control viral infections
B-cells eliminate bacteria and their toxins by producing antibodies
Natural killer cells rapidly identify and destroy virus infected cells and tumour cells
HIV/AIDS
First recognized in 1981 in North America
The virus selectively infects the T-helper(CD4) cells, destroying them
After the initial infection, there is a latent period where the person is asymptomatic (Typically 10-15 years even w/o treatment)
Over time, the weakened immune system is vulnerable to opportunistic infections (dễ bị nhiễm trùng cơ hội) and other conditions
AIDS is diagnosed either when these infections happen or when T-cell (CD4) count drops below a certain level
HIV Transmission
HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive outside the body
It is not transmitted through casual contact, nor is it airborne
The virus cannot pass through skin that has no cuts or abrasions, and even then needs specific conditions
Sufficient quantities of HIV must enter the bloodstream from the body fluids of someone who has HIV & is unmedicated
This transmission can happen from unprotected penetrative (xuyên thấu) sexual intercourse, sharing of intravenous needles and transfusion of unscreened, infected blood and blood products, & vertical transmission (during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding) There are five body fluids that contain HIV in sufficient quantities to cause infection: blood, semen (& pre cum), vaginal secretions, rectal fluid and chest milk
Potential Stigma (Sự kỳ thị) of HIV/AIDS
Because of the origin of HIV and how it causes AIDS is not completely understood and perhaps due to its method of transmission and who gets it, a lot of misinformation has surrounded HIV/AIDS
The AIDS epidemic created a lot of fear, with many people dying
Criminalization of not disclosing HIV status up until recently
People with HIV/AIDS can feel isolated, afraid and lonely because the prognosis is (used to be) uncertain, compounded with their status, sexuality and financial situation
Medically
HIV is diagnosed through laboratory testing which assess for antibodies to the virus (or optionally, antigen testing for faster results)
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) Liệu pháp kháng vi-rút inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate itself, getting a person to U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) Không thể phát hiện = Không thể truyền được
Numerous other medications are used prophylactically phòng ngừa to prevent the different opportunistic infections
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis dự phòng ) & PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV-negative
Symptom Picture
Initial HIV infection is often symptomless. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms when antibodies to the virus are being created
The infected person may continue to be asymptomatic for a long time
During this asymptomatic period, T-helper cells are attacked by the virus but after a certain point, the immune system is overwhelmed and no longer able to control the virus
Over time, more serious infections and cancers develop
AIDS dementia may occur (Bệnh sa sút trí tuệ do AIDS)
Peripheral neuropathies may result from HIV itself or from medication use
Rheumatic manifestation of severe joint and muscle pain may be present (thấp khớp của đau khớp và cơ nghiêm trọng)
Periods of relatively good health between bouts (đợt) of serious illness
Contraindications
Do not massage over open lesions or over a tumour
General massage is CI’d with significant fever (38.5C or 101.5F)
Avoid working over the insertion site of an indwelling medication catheter (một ống thông thuốc bên trong) if the client has such a device
Vinyl gloves are worn as usual if there are any cuts, sores or abrasions on the therapist’s hands or the client’s body
Do not over treat a debilitated (suy nhược) client with too long or vigorous a treatment
If the therapist has a contagious illness treating the client is likely CI’d until they are better
Assessment
Observation & Palpation:
Tissue health is observed. Tissue wasting and disuse atrophy may be present with wasting disease or if the client is bedridden (nằm liệt giường)
Edema due to local lymphatic obstruction from lesions may be present
Tenderness, numbness and pain may be present with neuropathies
Joint and muscle pain may also occur (don’t do joint mob)
Massage
Massage therapy is recommended for relaxation, stress reduction and a heightened sense of well being and treatment of peripheral neuropathies
Because symptoms can vary greatly depending on the stage, treatment is directed to the client’s presenting symptoms
Positioning is for client comfort
Hydrotherapy applications also depend on the client’s symptoms
Diaphragmatic breathing is important
Self-Care
Advise clients to avoid exposure to organisms that cause illness (when tp is sick, don’t give tx)
Self-massage of the limbs affected with peripheral neuropathies may help to relieve pain
Stress-reduction classes and aerobic exercise are important to maintain the health of the immune system
Self-help and support groups can provide emotional support and an opportunity to learn more about the disease and how others are dealing with similar problems
