Process For Getting Tested For HIV Flashcards
What are the risk?
Sexual contact, IV drugs
Get tested to find out
Most people have no symptoms so the virus can be unknowingly passed on
What is the test?
Western blot test (blood test)
At least 6 weeks after risky events
At clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices
Approved HIV tests are extremely reliable
What are other options?
Enzyme immunoassay detects antibodies in other oral fluids or urine
Rapid oral or blood test in 20 mins
Home testing kits with mail-away blood samples
When does HIV treatment begin?
Dependent on progression
If CD4 count is 350-500 in sample
Opportunistic infection
What is the continual testing of patients?
Doctor CD4 cell count and viral load
Every 3-6 months to monitor the strength of immune system and ensure meds work
2-8 weeks after starting or changing meds to ensure new drugs are working
What is antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
Slow virus down but do not kill the virus
Different classes of drugs in “combination therapy” or “cocktail”
What are the negatives of HIV treatment?
Many drugs produce bad side effects
After time HIV become resistant
Cost of drugs and care is expensive
What are lifestyle when you get HIV?
Find a good doctor and follow instructions
Eat a health lot diet rich in fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water
Don’t smoke, drink in excess, or use illegal drugs
Find ways to relax and relieve stress
What are treatment goals?
Reduce viral load
Restore or preserve immune system
Improve the patients quality of life
Reduce sickness and death
Is there a cure for HIV?
No, both HIV and AIDS are viral diseases
The best tool is prevention
