HIV/AIDS Flashcards
What is most serious disease facing the world today?
HIV/AIDS
In 2008, South Africa had the largest number of people in the living with HIV/AIDS, nearly ____ million.
5.7 million
What factors seem to be responsible for this?(5)
-Poverty and social instability -High levels of STIs -Low status of women -Sexual violence -High mobility (migrant labour)
Every day roughly ____ die from AIDS.
1000
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against infections such as tuberculosis and some cancers.
What is immunodeficiency?
The weakness of a person’s immune system.
____ _____ ____ (aka HIV) infects and eventually destroys important cells in the immune system called helper T ____ also known as CD4 cells. These play an essential role in immunity.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Lymphocytes
Is HIV curable?
No, once HIV infection is diagnosed, a person has a life-long condition which will go through several stages and has many consequences. The people with HIV need to work with their health care providers to manage their condition successfully.
What does the destruction off the CD4 cells lead to?
The destruction of CD4 cells leads to a persistent, progressive and profound weakening of the immune system.
What are some of the symptoms of HIV? (8)
-Lack of energy -Rapid weight loss -Frequent fevers and sweats -Persistent or frequent fungal infections (oral or vaginal) -Painful nerve disease called shingles -Persistent skin rashes or flaky skin -Frequent attacks of diarrhoea -White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue or in the mouth and throat
How do blood tests show that HIV has progressed to AIDS?
When blood tests show a CD4 count of less than 200 CD4 cells per ml of blood (normal is 600-1200) it is said that the illness has progressed to AIDS.
What is AIDS?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What is the major problem with AIDS?
Because the immune system is so weakened all kinds of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa are able to invade the body. As a result there could a variety of illnesses and opportunistic infections such as drug resistant TB, cancer and pneumonia as well as memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders.
What feeling do sufferers and their family experience? (3)
Ostracism Alienation Loneliness
What is the effect on HIV/AIDS on the economy?
There are negative effects on the South African economy as productive people are ill and many are dying