HIV Pre Test Flashcards
Counsel A 30-year-old lady with multiple sexual partners on the importance of knowing her HIV status after having a miscarriage 2 weeks ago.
Gather
Grip+ LCCC
ASK
Biodata: May I know you name, age and highest level of education?
It says here that you had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago, is that correct?
I am really sorry you had such an experience (EMPATHY)
Do you know your HIV status? What do you know about HIV and AIDS?
TELL
DEFINE: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus, a sexually transmissible infection caused by the HIV virus which attacks the immune system and prevents it from doing its work of protecting against diseases.
While AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, that is the end result of long-standing untreated HIV whereby the immunity is severely damaged.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: HIV is a common infection worldwide. It is more common in Southern Africa, although West Africa and Nigeria has a significant number of people living with HIV. It affects million of people all over the globe.
AETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS
HIV has two main subtypes, HIV-1 which is more common in West Africa, and HIV 2, which is common worldwide. Risk factors include unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects, high risk sexual behavior. It can also be transmitted from mother to child.
CLINICAL FEATURES
HIV infection, especially during the early stages usually does not cause any symptoms. That is why we advise anyone at risk to test themselves for the condition.
Importance of testing include:
1. To know your HIV status, and allow early access to life saving treatment if you are positive.
2. To reduce risky behavior involved and prevent spread.
DIAGNOSIS
The tests done include Antibody test, where your blood sample is taken to the lab, and HIV antibodies are tested for, if found, then HIV is present.
There is a window period however where even if the patient is infected, the test may be negative.
Rapid onsite test can also be done with blood or oral fluids, applied on a strip and a color reaction is observed for to make the diagnosis.
This takes a few minutes but is less reliable.
Polymerase chain reaction test: checks for genetic material of the
HIV virus and is very accurate although expensive. It can be used for newborns to HIV positive mothers.
TELL
DEFINE: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus, a sexually transmissible infection caused by the HIV virus which attacks the immune system and prevents it from doing its work of protecting against diseases.
While AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, that is the end result of long-standing untreated HIV whereby the immunity is severely damaged.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: HIV is a common infection worldwide. It is more common in Southern Africa, although West Africa and Nigeria has a significant number of people living with HIV. It affects million of people all over the globe.
AETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS
HIV has two main subtypes, HIV-1 which is more common in West Africa, and HIV 2, which is common worldwide. Risk factors include unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects, high risk sexual behavior. It can also be transmitted from mother to child.
CLINICAL FEATURES
HIV infection, especially during the early stages usually does not cause any symptoms. That is why we advise anyone at risk to test themselves for the condition.
Importance of testing include:
1. To know your HIV status, and allow early access to life saving treatment if you are positive.
2. To reduce risky behavior involved and prevent spread.
DIAGNOSIS
The tests done include Antibody test, where your blood sample is taken to the lab, and HIV antibodies are tested for, if found, then HIV is present.
There is a window period however where even if the patient is infected, the test may be negative.
Rapid onsite test can also be done with blood or oral fluids, applied on a strip and a color reaction is observed for to make the diagnosis.
This takes a few minutes but is less reliable.
Polymerase chain reaction test: checks for genetic material of the
HIV virus and is very accurate although expensive. It can be used for newborns to HIV positive mothers.
HELP
The result can either be positive (HIV is present) or negative (HIV is absent).
If negative, a repeat test will be done in 3 months.
If positive, it is not the end of the world as it can be managed and you can proceed to live a long and relatively healthy life. (EMPATHY)
You should endeavor to test yourself regularly every 3-6 months.
Please be informed that HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing cutlery, hugging, shaking of hands or sharing clothes.
RETELL
Do you understand all have said?
Any questions?
Can you repeat what you’ve understood in your own words?
Thank you ma, thank you sir.
