SHOULD PEP BE USED FOR NON-OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE?
HIV exposure at work is usually a one-time accident. Other HIV exposures may be due to unsafe behaviors that can occur many times. Some people think that PEP might encourage this unsafe behavior if people think that PEP is an easy way to avoid HIV infection.
There are other reasons why PEP might not be a good idea for non-occupational exposure:
* There is no research to show that PEP works for non-occupational exposure. We don’t know how soon after exposure to HIV someone has to start PEP.
* PEP is not a “morning-after pill.” It is a program of several drugs, several times each day, for at least 30 days. PEP costs between $600 and $1,000.
* For best results, you have to take every dose of every PEP medication. Missing doses could mean that you develop HIV infection. It could also allow the virus to develop resistance to the medications. If that happens they would no longer work for you.
* The medications have serious side effects. About 40% of health care workers did not complete PEP because of the side effects.
Despite these concerns, there is growing interest in PEP for non-occupational exposure. Most programs include counseling to inform and encourage people to avoid exposure to HIV.
Friday, December 31, 2010
WHO SHOULD USE PEP?
WHO SHOULD USE PEP?
Workplace exposure
PEP has been standard procedure since 1996 for healthcare workers exposed to HIV. Workers start taking medications within a few hours of exposure. Usually the exposure is from a “needle stick,” when a health care worker accidentally gets jabbed with a needle containing HIV-infected blood. PEP reduced the rate of HIV infection from workplace exposures by 79%. However, some health care workers who take PEP still get HIV infection.
Other exposure
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control reviewed information on PEP. They concluded that it should also be available for use after HIV exposures that are not work-related. People can be exposed to HIV during unsafe sexual activity, when a condom breaks during sex, or if they share needles for injecting drugs. Infants can be exposed if they drink breast milk from an infected woman. In a study of PEP in 400 cases of possible sexual exposure to HIV, not one person became infected with HIV.
Workplace exposure
PEP has been standard procedure since 1996 for healthcare workers exposed to HIV. Workers start taking medications within a few hours of exposure. Usually the exposure is from a “needle stick,” when a health care worker accidentally gets jabbed with a needle containing HIV-infected blood. PEP reduced the rate of HIV infection from workplace exposures by 79%. However, some health care workers who take PEP still get HIV infection.
Other exposure
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control reviewed information on PEP. They concluded that it should also be available for use after HIV exposures that are not work-related. People can be exposed to HIV during unsafe sexual activity, when a condom breaks during sex, or if they share needles for injecting drugs. Infants can be exposed if they drink breast milk from an infected woman. In a study of PEP in 400 cases of possible sexual exposure to HIV, not one person became infected with HIV.
WHAT IS POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS?
WHAT IS POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS?
Prophylaxis means disease prevention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP) means taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs) as soon as possible after exposure to HIV, so that the exposure will not result in HIV infection. These medications are only available with a prescription. PEP should begin within as soon as possible after exposure to HIV but certainly within 72 hours. Treatment with 2 or 3 ARVs should continue for 4 weeks, if tolerated.
Prophylaxis means disease prevention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP) means taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs) as soon as possible after exposure to HIV, so that the exposure will not result in HIV infection. These medications are only available with a prescription. PEP should begin within as soon as possible after exposure to HIV but certainly within 72 hours. Treatment with 2 or 3 ARVs should continue for 4 weeks, if tolerated.
WHAT IF I’VE BEEN EXPOSED?
WHAT IF I’VE BEEN EXPOSED?
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or the public health department, and get tested. For more information on HIV testing, see Fact Sheet 102.
If you are sure that you have been exposed, call your healthcare provider immediately to discuss whether you should start takingantiretroviral drugs (ARVs). This is called “post exposure prophylaxis”or PEP. You would take two or three medications for several weeks. These drugs can decrease the risk of infection, but they have some serious side effects. Fact Sheet 156 has more information on PEP.
THE BOTTOM LINE
HIV does not spread easily from person to person. To get infected with HIV, infected blood, sexual fluid, or mother’s milk has to get into your body. HIV-infected pregnant women can pass the infection to their new babies.
To decrease the risk of spreading HIV:
* Use condoms during sexual activity
* Do not share drug injection equipment
* If you are HIV-infected and pregnant, talk with your health care provider about taking ARVs.
* If you are an HIV-infected woman, don’t breast feed any baby
* Protect cuts, open sores, and your eyes and mouth from contact with blood.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, get tested and ask your health care provider about taking ARVs.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or the public health department, and get tested. For more information on HIV testing, see Fact Sheet 102.
If you are sure that you have been exposed, call your healthcare provider immediately to discuss whether you should start takingantiretroviral drugs (ARVs). This is called “post exposure prophylaxis”or PEP. You would take two or three medications for several weeks. These drugs can decrease the risk of infection, but they have some serious side effects. Fact Sheet 156 has more information on PEP.
THE BOTTOM LINE
HIV does not spread easily from person to person. To get infected with HIV, infected blood, sexual fluid, or mother’s milk has to get into your body. HIV-infected pregnant women can pass the infection to their new babies.
To decrease the risk of spreading HIV:
* Use condoms during sexual activity
* Do not share drug injection equipment
* If you are HIV-infected and pregnant, talk with your health care provider about taking ARVs.
* If you are an HIV-infected woman, don’t breast feed any baby
* Protect cuts, open sores, and your eyes and mouth from contact with blood.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, get tested and ask your health care provider about taking ARVs.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS?
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS?
Unless you are 100% sure that you and the people you are with do not have HIV infection, you should take steps to prevent getting infected. People recently infected (within the past 2 or 3months) are most likely to transmit HIV to others. This is when theirviral load is the highest. In general, the risk of transmission ishigher with higher viral loads. This fact sheet provides an overview ofHIV prevention, and refers you to other fact sheets for more details on specific topics.
Sexual Activity
You can avoid any risk of HIV if you practice abstinence (not having sex). You also won’t get infected if your penis, mouth, vagina or rectum doesn’t touch anyone else’s penis, mouth, vagina, or rectum. Safe activities include kissing, erotic massage, masturbation or hand jobs (mutual masturbation). There are no documented cases of HIV transmission through wet clothing.
Having sex in a monogamous (faithful) relationship is safe if:
* Both of you are uninfected (HIV-negative)
* You both have sex only with your partner
* Neither one of you gets exposed to HIV through drug use or other activities
Oral sex has a lower risk of infection than anal or vaginal sex, especially if there are no open sores or blood in the mouth. See Fact Sheet 152 for more information on the risks of various behaviors.
You can reduce the risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by using barriers like condoms. Traditional condoms go on the penis, and a new type of condom goes in the vagina or in the rectum. For more information on condoms, see Fact Sheet 153.
Some chemicals called spermicides can prevent pregnancy but they don’t prevent HIV. They might even increase your risk of getting infected if they cause irritation or swelling.
For more information on safer sex, see Fact Sheet 151.
Drug Use
If you’re high on drugs, you might forget to use protection during sex. If you use someone else’s equipment (needles, syringes, cookers, cotton or rinse water) you can get infected by tiny amounts of blood. The best way to avoid infection is to not use drugs.
If you use drugs, you can prevent infection by not injecting them. If you do inject, don’t share equipment. If you must share, clean equipment with bleach and water before every use. Fact Sheet 154 has more details on drug use and HIV prevention.
Some communities have started exchange programs that give free, clean syringes to people so they won’t need to share.
Vertical Transmission
With no treatment, about 25% of the babies of HIV-infected womenwould be born infected. The risk drops to about 4% if a woman takes AZTduring pregnancy and delivery, and her newborn is given AZT. The riskis 2% or less if the mother is taking combination antiretroviral therapy(ART). Caesarean section deliveries probably don’t reduce transmissionrisk if the mother’s viral load is below 1000.
Babies can get infected if they drink breast milk from an HIV-infected woman. Women with HIV should use baby formulas or breast milk from a woman who is not infected to feed their babies.
Fact Sheet 611 has more information on HIV and pregnancy.
Contact with Blood
HIV is one of many diseases that can be transmitted by blood. Be careful if you are helping someone who is bleeding. If your work exposes you to blood, be sure to protect any cuts or open sores on your skin, as well as your eyes and mouth. Your employer should provide gloves, facemasks and other protective equipment, plus training about how to avoid diseases that are spread by blood.
Unless you are 100% sure that you and the people you are with do not have HIV infection, you should take steps to prevent getting infected. People recently infected (within the past 2 or 3months) are most likely to transmit HIV to others. This is when theirviral load is the highest. In general, the risk of transmission ishigher with higher viral loads. This fact sheet provides an overview ofHIV prevention, and refers you to other fact sheets for more details on specific topics.
Sexual Activity
You can avoid any risk of HIV if you practice abstinence (not having sex). You also won’t get infected if your penis, mouth, vagina or rectum doesn’t touch anyone else’s penis, mouth, vagina, or rectum. Safe activities include kissing, erotic massage, masturbation or hand jobs (mutual masturbation). There are no documented cases of HIV transmission through wet clothing.
Having sex in a monogamous (faithful) relationship is safe if:
* Both of you are uninfected (HIV-negative)
* You both have sex only with your partner
* Neither one of you gets exposed to HIV through drug use or other activities
Oral sex has a lower risk of infection than anal or vaginal sex, especially if there are no open sores or blood in the mouth. See Fact Sheet 152 for more information on the risks of various behaviors.
You can reduce the risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by using barriers like condoms. Traditional condoms go on the penis, and a new type of condom goes in the vagina or in the rectum. For more information on condoms, see Fact Sheet 153.
Some chemicals called spermicides can prevent pregnancy but they don’t prevent HIV. They might even increase your risk of getting infected if they cause irritation or swelling.
For more information on safer sex, see Fact Sheet 151.
Drug Use
If you’re high on drugs, you might forget to use protection during sex. If you use someone else’s equipment (needles, syringes, cookers, cotton or rinse water) you can get infected by tiny amounts of blood. The best way to avoid infection is to not use drugs.
If you use drugs, you can prevent infection by not injecting them. If you do inject, don’t share equipment. If you must share, clean equipment with bleach and water before every use. Fact Sheet 154 has more details on drug use and HIV prevention.
Some communities have started exchange programs that give free, clean syringes to people so they won’t need to share.
Vertical Transmission
With no treatment, about 25% of the babies of HIV-infected womenwould be born infected. The risk drops to about 4% if a woman takes AZTduring pregnancy and delivery, and her newborn is given AZT. The riskis 2% or less if the mother is taking combination antiretroviral therapy(ART). Caesarean section deliveries probably don’t reduce transmissionrisk if the mother’s viral load is below 1000.
Babies can get infected if they drink breast milk from an HIV-infected woman. Women with HIV should use baby formulas or breast milk from a woman who is not infected to feed their babies.
Fact Sheet 611 has more information on HIV and pregnancy.
Contact with Blood
HIV is one of many diseases that can be transmitted by blood. Be careful if you are helping someone who is bleeding. If your work exposes you to blood, be sure to protect any cuts or open sores on your skin, as well as your eyes and mouth. Your employer should provide gloves, facemasks and other protective equipment, plus training about how to avoid diseases that are spread by blood.
HOW DO YOU GET INFECTED WITH HIV?
HOW DO YOU GET INFECTED WITH HIV?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not spread easily. You can only get HIV if you get infected blood or sexual fluids into your system. You can’t get it from mosquito bites, coughing or sneezing, sharing household items, or swimming in the same pool as someone with HIV.
Some people talk about “shared body fluids” being risky for HIV, but no documented cases of HIV have been caused by sweat, saliva or tears. However, even small amounts of blood in your mouth might transmit HIV during kissing or oral sex. Blood can come from flossing your teeth, or from sores caused by gum disease, or by eating very hot or sharp, pointed food.
To infect someone, the virus has to get past the body’s defenses. These include skin and saliva. If your skin is not broken or cut, it protects you against infection from blood or sexual fluids. Saliva contains chemicals that can help kill HIV in your mouth.
If HIV-infected blood or sexual fluid gets inside your body, you can get infected. This can happen through an open sore or wound, during sexual activity, or if you share equipment to inject drugs.
HIV can also be spread from a mother to her child during pregnancy or delivery. This is called “vertical transmission.” A baby can also be infected by drinking an infected woman’s breast milk. Fact Sheet 611 has more information on pregnancy. Adults exposed to breast milk of an HIV-infected woman may also be exposed to HIV.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not spread easily. You can only get HIV if you get infected blood or sexual fluids into your system. You can’t get it from mosquito bites, coughing or sneezing, sharing household items, or swimming in the same pool as someone with HIV.
Some people talk about “shared body fluids” being risky for HIV, but no documented cases of HIV have been caused by sweat, saliva or tears. However, even small amounts of blood in your mouth might transmit HIV during kissing or oral sex. Blood can come from flossing your teeth, or from sores caused by gum disease, or by eating very hot or sharp, pointed food.
To infect someone, the virus has to get past the body’s defenses. These include skin and saliva. If your skin is not broken or cut, it protects you against infection from blood or sexual fluids. Saliva contains chemicals that can help kill HIV in your mouth.
If HIV-infected blood or sexual fluid gets inside your body, you can get infected. This can happen through an open sore or wound, during sexual activity, or if you share equipment to inject drugs.
HIV can also be spread from a mother to her child during pregnancy or delivery. This is called “vertical transmission.” A baby can also be infected by drinking an infected woman’s breast milk. Fact Sheet 611 has more information on pregnancy. Adults exposed to breast milk of an HIV-infected woman may also be exposed to HIV.
IS THERE A CURE FOR AIDS?
IS THERE A CURE FOR AIDS?
There is no cure for AIDS. There are drugs that can slow down the HIV virus, and slow down the damage to your immune system. There is no way to “clear” the HIV out of your body.
Other drugs can prevent or treat opportunistic infections (OIs). In most cases, these drugs work very well. The newer, stronger ARVs have also helped reduce the rates of most OIs. A few OIs, however, are still very difficult to treat. See Fact Sheet 500 for more information on opportunistic infections.
There is no cure for AIDS. There are drugs that can slow down the HIV virus, and slow down the damage to your immune system. There is no way to “clear” the HIV out of your body.
Other drugs can prevent or treat opportunistic infections (OIs). In most cases, these drugs work very well. The newer, stronger ARVs have also helped reduce the rates of most OIs. A few OIs, however, are still very difficult to treat. See Fact Sheet 500 for more information on opportunistic infections.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AIDS?
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AIDS?
HIV disease becomes AIDS when your immune system is seriously damaged. If you have less than 200 CD4 cells or if your CD4 percentage is less than 14%, you have AIDS. See Fact Sheet 124 for more information on CD4 cells. If you get an opportunistic infection, you have AIDS. There is an “official” list of these opportunistic infections put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The most common ones are:
* PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia), a lung infection;
* KS (Kaposi’s sarcoma), a skin cancer;
* CMV (Cytomegalovirus), an infection that usually affects the eyes
* Candida, a fungal infection that can cause thrush (a white film in your mouth) or infections in your throat or vagina
AIDS-related diseases also includes serious weight loss, brain tumors, and other health problems. Without treatment, these opportunistic infections can kill you.
The official (technical) CDC definition of AIDS is available at AIDS is different in every infected person. Some people die a few months after getting infected, while others live fairly normal lives for many years, even after they “officially” have AIDS. A few HIV-positive people stay healthy for many years even without taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs).
HIV disease becomes AIDS when your immune system is seriously damaged. If you have less than 200 CD4 cells or if your CD4 percentage is less than 14%, you have AIDS. See Fact Sheet 124 for more information on CD4 cells. If you get an opportunistic infection, you have AIDS. There is an “official” list of these opportunistic infections put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The most common ones are:
* PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia), a lung infection;
* KS (Kaposi’s sarcoma), a skin cancer;
* CMV (Cytomegalovirus), an infection that usually affects the eyes
* Candida, a fungal infection that can cause thrush (a white film in your mouth) or infections in your throat or vagina
AIDS-related diseases also includes serious weight loss, brain tumors, and other health problems. Without treatment, these opportunistic infections can kill you.
The official (technical) CDC definition of AIDS is available at AIDS is different in every infected person. Some people die a few months after getting infected, while others live fairly normal lives for many years, even after they “officially” have AIDS. A few HIV-positive people stay healthy for many years even without taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs).
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M HIV POSITIVE?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M HIV POSITIVE?
You might not know if you get infected by HIV. Some people get fever, headache, sore muscles and joints, stomach ache, swollen lymph glands, or a skin rash for one or two weeks. Most people think it’s the flu. Some people have no symptoms
he virus will multiply in your body for a few weeks or even months before your immune system responds. During this time, you won’t test positive for HIV, but you can infect other people.
When your immune system responds, it starts to make antibodies. When this happens, you will test positive for HIV.
After the first flu-like symptoms, some people with HIV stay healthy for ten years or longer. But during this time, HIV is damaging your immune system.
One way to measure the damage to your immune system is to count your CD4 cells you have. These cells, also called “T-helper” cells, are an important part of the immune system. Healthy people have between 500 and 1,500 CD4 cells in a milliliter of blood.Without treatment, your CD4 cell count will most likely go down. You might start having signs of HIV disease like fevers, night sweats, diarrhea, or swollen lymph nodes. If you have HIV disease, these problems will last more than a few days, and probably continue for several weeks.
You might not know if you get infected by HIV. Some people get fever, headache, sore muscles and joints, stomach ache, swollen lymph glands, or a skin rash for one or two weeks. Most people think it’s the flu. Some people have no symptoms
he virus will multiply in your body for a few weeks or even months before your immune system responds. During this time, you won’t test positive for HIV, but you can infect other people.
When your immune system responds, it starts to make antibodies. When this happens, you will test positive for HIV.
After the first flu-like symptoms, some people with HIV stay healthy for ten years or longer. But during this time, HIV is damaging your immune system.
One way to measure the damage to your immune system is to count your CD4 cells you have. These cells, also called “T-helper” cells, are an important part of the immune system. Healthy people have between 500 and 1,500 CD4 cells in a milliliter of blood.Without treatment, your CD4 cell count will most likely go down. You might start having signs of HIV disease like fevers, night sweats, diarrhea, or swollen lymph nodes. If you have HIV disease, these problems will last more than a few days, and probably continue for several weeks.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
How HIV Causes AIDS
How HIV Causes AIDS
HIV destroys CD4 positive (CD4+) T cells, which are white blood cells crucial to maintaining the function of the human immune system. As HIV attacks these cells, the person infected with the virus is less equipped to fight off infection and disease, ultimately resulting in the development of AIDS.
Most people who are infected with HIV can carry the virus for years before developing any serious symptoms. But over time, HIV levels increase in the blood while the number of CD4+ T cells decline. Antiretroviral medicines can help reduce the amount of virus in the body, preserve CD4+ T cells and dramatically slow the destruction of the immune system.
 |  |
| Normal T-cells Credit: NIAID. | HIV-infected T-cells Credit: NIAID. |
WHAT’S MY RISK OF GETTING INFECTED WITH HIV?
WHAT’S MY RISK OF GETTING INFECTED WITH HIV?
Most people know how HIV is transmitted (see fact sheet 150). They also know about safer sex guidelines (see fact sheet 151). However, they may still be exposed to HIV. This can be by accident or because they take part in some risky behavior. When this happens, they always want to know how likely it is that they got infected with HIV.
THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES!
You can’t be sure that you’re not infected with HIV unless you are 100% certain that you did not engage in any risky behavior and that you were not exposed to any HIV-infected fluids.
The only way to know for sure whether you have been infected is to get tested. You should wait for 3 months after a possible exposure. Then get an HIV blood test (see fact sheet 102).
You might feel that you have been exposed to HIV by sharing needles, an accident, or unsafe sexual activity. In these cases, talk to your health care provider immediately . Ask whether you can use HIV treatments to prevent infection. Fact sheet 156 has more information on "post-exposure prophylaxis."
AIDS and the Law
AIDS and the Law provides comprehensive coverage of the complex legal issues, as well as the underlying medical and scientific issues, surrounding the HIV epidemic. Covering a broad range of legal fields from employment to health care to housing and privacy rights, this essential resource provides thorough up-to-date coverage of a rapidly changing area of law.
AIDS and the Law is updated annually; the most recent update was issued for 2011.
The new Fourth Edition of AIDS and the Law brings you up-to-date on the latest developments, including:
- Explanation of why asymptomatic HIV infection is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar federal and state nondiscrimination statutes – including an update on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 as it applies to HIV
- Analysis of factors involved in complying with state statutory standards on HIV testing and confidentiality of HIV-related information
- Critical assessment of the courts’ rulings on knowing transmission, or risk of transmission, of HIV as a criminal offense under federal and state law
Highlights of the 2011 update include:
- Analysis of how the 2010 federal health care reform legislation – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – will affect insurance coverage for persons with HIV/AIDS
- Discussion of the first reported employment discrimination ruling, Horgan v. Simmons, in which a plaintiff with HIV prevailed under the expanded definition of disability set forth in the 2008 amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Analysis of the lifting of the HIV ground of inadmissibility, which for 22 years barred HIV-positive travelers from entering the United States and immigrants with HIV from becoming permanent residents
- Summary of the EEOC’s proposed regulations under the amended Americans with Disabilities Act as they pertain to claims of HIV/AIDS discrimination
- Review of the congressional repeal of a 20-year ban on use of federal funds to support access to sterile syringes as an HIV prevention measure
- Analysis of the U.S. Justice Department’s groundbreaking announcement that the ADA prohibits Title II public entities from denying a person with HIV an occupational license or admission to a trade school because of his or her HIV status
- Discussion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights’ rejection of the direct threat defense relied on by a surgeon who refused to operate on a patient with HIV
- Summary of the court’s grant of summary judgment for the plaintiff with HIV in Doe v. Deer Mountain Day Camp, Inc., a significant ruling in which the court concluded that there could be no reasonable dispute that a 10-year old boy with HIV did not pose a direct threat to himself or others as a result of his participation in a summer basketball day camp
What medicines are used for HIV infection?
What medicines are used for HIV infection?
There are several kinds of medicines are used to fight HIV infection. The first kind is called nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase (say trans-krip-tase) inhibitors, or "nukes." When HIV infects a healthy cell, it needs the cell's DNA, or genetic instructions, to build copies of itself. These drugs act by blocking the HIV's ability to copy a cell's DNA. Without complete DNA, HIV can't make new virus copies. These medicines include the following:
* Abacavir
* Didanosine
* Emtricitabine
* Lamivudine
* Stavudine
* Tenofovir DF
* Zidovudine
* Combination of Abacavir, Lamivudine and Zidovudine
* Combination of Abacavir and Lamivudine
* Combination of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir DF
* Combination of Lamivudine and Zidovudine
The second kind of medicine is called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. These drugs also prevent HIV from using a healthy cell's DNA to make copies of itself, but in a slightly different way. This group includes the following medicines:
* Delavirdine
* Nevirapine
* Efavirenz
* Etravirine
The third kind of medicine is called protease (say pro-tee-ase) inhibitors. These medicines work by preventing infected cells from releasing HIV into the body. This group includes the following medicines:
* Amprenavir
* Atazanavir
* Darunavir
* Fosamprenavir
* Indinavir
* Nelfinavir
* Ritonavir
* Saquinavir
* Tipranavir
* The combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir
The fourth kind of medicine is called a fusion inhibitor. This medicine works by preventing the entry of the HIV virus into your body's healthy cells. This medicine is injected by a doctor. This group includes the following medicines:
* Enfuvirtide
* Maraviroc
The last type of medicine is called an integrase inhibitor. This medicine works by disabling integrase. Integrase is a protein that HIV uses to insert its genetic material into the genetic material of CD4 cells. This group includes the following medicine:
* Raltegravir
The different kinds of medicines are often used together (in combination) to reduce the amount of HIV in the body.
When different drugs are combined with the purpose of reducing the amount of HIV in your blood to very low levels, the resulting treatment regimen is called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Your doctor must watch you closely when you are being treated with these drugs to see how well they lower the amount of virus in your body. Your doctor also wants to make sure you aren't having side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia or peripheral neuropathy (a numb feeling in your hands or feet).
There are several kinds of medicines are used to fight HIV infection. The first kind is called nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase (say trans-krip-tase) inhibitors, or "nukes." When HIV infects a healthy cell, it needs the cell's DNA, or genetic instructions, to build copies of itself. These drugs act by blocking the HIV's ability to copy a cell's DNA. Without complete DNA, HIV can't make new virus copies. These medicines include the following:
* Abacavir
* Didanosine
* Emtricitabine
* Lamivudine
* Stavudine
* Tenofovir DF
* Zidovudine
* Combination of Abacavir, Lamivudine and Zidovudine
* Combination of Abacavir and Lamivudine
* Combination of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir DF
* Combination of Lamivudine and Zidovudine
The second kind of medicine is called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. These drugs also prevent HIV from using a healthy cell's DNA to make copies of itself, but in a slightly different way. This group includes the following medicines:
* Delavirdine
* Nevirapine
* Efavirenz
* Etravirine
The third kind of medicine is called protease (say pro-tee-ase) inhibitors. These medicines work by preventing infected cells from releasing HIV into the body. This group includes the following medicines:
* Amprenavir
* Atazanavir
* Darunavir
* Fosamprenavir
* Indinavir
* Nelfinavir
* Ritonavir
* Saquinavir
* Tipranavir
* The combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir
The fourth kind of medicine is called a fusion inhibitor. This medicine works by preventing the entry of the HIV virus into your body's healthy cells. This medicine is injected by a doctor. This group includes the following medicines:
* Enfuvirtide
* Maraviroc
The last type of medicine is called an integrase inhibitor. This medicine works by disabling integrase. Integrase is a protein that HIV uses to insert its genetic material into the genetic material of CD4 cells. This group includes the following medicine:
* Raltegravir
The different kinds of medicines are often used together (in combination) to reduce the amount of HIV in the body.
When different drugs are combined with the purpose of reducing the amount of HIV in your blood to very low levels, the resulting treatment regimen is called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Your doctor must watch you closely when you are being treated with these drugs to see how well they lower the amount of virus in your body. Your doctor also wants to make sure you aren't having side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anemia or peripheral neuropathy (a numb feeling in your hands or feet).
Current estimates
Current estimates
In 2006 UNAIDS estimated that there were 5.6 million people living with HIV in India, which indicated that there were more people with HIV in India than in any other country in the world.19 In 2007, following the first survey of HIV among the general population, UNAIDS and NACO agreed on a new estimate – between 2 million and 3.1 million people living with HIV.20 In 2008 the figure was estimated to be 2.31 million.21 In 2009 it was estimated that 2.4 million people were living with HIV in India, which equates to a prevalence of 0.3%.22 While this may seem low, because India's population is so large, it is third in the world in terms of greatest number of people living with HIV. With a population of around a billion, a mere 0.1% increase in HIV prevalence would increase the estimated number of people living with HIV by over half a million.
In 2006 UNAIDS estimated that there were 5.6 million people living with HIV in India, which indicated that there were more people with HIV in India than in any other country in the world.19 In 2007, following the first survey of HIV among the general population, UNAIDS and NACO agreed on a new estimate – between 2 million and 3.1 million people living with HIV.20 In 2008 the figure was estimated to be 2.31 million.21 In 2009 it was estimated that 2.4 million people were living with HIV in India, which equates to a prevalence of 0.3%.22 While this may seem low, because India's population is so large, it is third in the world in terms of greatest number of people living with HIV. With a population of around a billion, a mere 0.1% increase in HIV prevalence would increase the estimated number of people living with HIV by over half a million.
The History of HIV/AIDS in India
The History of HIV/AIDS in India
At the beginning of 1986, despite over 20,000 reported AIDS cases worldwide,2 India had no reported cases of HIV or AIDS.3 There was recognition, though, that this would not be the case for long, and concerns were raised about how India would cope once HIV and AIDS cases started to emerge. One report, published in a medical journal in January 1986, stated:
“Unlike developed countries, India lacks the scientific laboratories, research facilities, equipment, and medical personnel to deal with an AIDS epidemic. In addition, factors such as cultural taboos against discussion of sexual practices, poor coordination between local health authorities and their communities, widespread poverty and malnutrition, and a lack of capacity to test and store blood would severely hinder the ability of the Government to control AIDS if the disease did become widespread.”4
Later in the year, India’s first cases of HIV were diagnosed among sex workers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.5 It was noted that contact with foreign visitors had played a role in initial infections among sex workers, and as HIV screening centres were set up across the country there were calls for visitors to be screened for HIV. Gradually, these calls subsided as more attention was paid to ensuring that HIV screening was carried out in blood banks.6 7
In 1987 a National AIDS Control Programme was launched to co-ordinate national responses. Its activities covered surveillance, blood screening, and health education.8 By the end of 1987, out of 52,907 who had been tested, around 135 people were found to be HIV positive and 14 had AIDS.9 Most of these initial cases had occurred through heterosexual sex, but at the end of the 1980s a rapid spread of HIV was observed among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland - three north-eastern states of India bordering Myanmar (Burma).10
At the beginning of the 1990s, as infection rates continued to rise, responses were strengthened. In 1992 the government set up NACO (the National AIDS Control Organisation), to oversee the formulation of policies, prevention work and control programmes relating to HIV and AIDS.11 In the same year, the government launched a Strategic Plan, the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) for HIV prevention. This plan established the administrative and technical basis for programme management and also set up State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) in 25 states and 7 union territories. It was able to make a number of important improvements in HIV prevention such as improving blood safety.
A human daisy chain on World Aids Day in India, December 2004. A human daisy chain on World Aids Day in India, December 2004.
By this stage, cases of HIV infection had been reported in every state of the country.12 Throughout the 1990s, it was clear that although individual states and cities had separate epidemics, HIV had spread to the general population. Increasingly, cases of infection were observed among people that had previously been seen as ‘low-risk’, such as housewives and richer members of society.13 In 1998, one author wrote:
“HIV infection is now common in India; exactly what the prevalence is, is not really known, but it can be stated without any fear of being wrong that infection is widespread… it is spreading rapidly into those segments that society in India does not recognise as being at risk. AIDS is coming out of the closet.”14
In 1999, the second phase of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP II) came into effect with the stated aim of reducing the spread of HIV through promoting behaviour change. During this time, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme and the provision of free antiretroviral treatment were implemented for the first time.15 In 2001, the government adopted the National AIDS Prevention and Control Policy and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee referred to HIV/AIDS as one of the most serious health challenges facing the country when he addressed parliament. Vajpayee also met the chief ministers of the six high-prevalence states to plan the implementation of strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention.16
The third phase (NACP III) began in 2007, with the highest priority placed on reaching 80 percent of high-risk groups including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users with targeted interventions.17 Targeted interventions are generally carried out by civil society or community organisations in partnership with the State AIDS Control Societies. They include outreach programmes focused on behaviour change through peer education, distribution of condoms and other risk reduction materials, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, linkages to health services, as well as advocacy and training of local groups. The NACP III also seeks to decentralise the HIV effort to the most local level, i.e. districts, and engage more non-governmental organisations in providing welfare services to those living with HIV/AIDS.18
At the beginning of 1986, despite over 20,000 reported AIDS cases worldwide,2 India had no reported cases of HIV or AIDS.3 There was recognition, though, that this would not be the case for long, and concerns were raised about how India would cope once HIV and AIDS cases started to emerge. One report, published in a medical journal in January 1986, stated:
“Unlike developed countries, India lacks the scientific laboratories, research facilities, equipment, and medical personnel to deal with an AIDS epidemic. In addition, factors such as cultural taboos against discussion of sexual practices, poor coordination between local health authorities and their communities, widespread poverty and malnutrition, and a lack of capacity to test and store blood would severely hinder the ability of the Government to control AIDS if the disease did become widespread.”4
Later in the year, India’s first cases of HIV were diagnosed among sex workers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.5 It was noted that contact with foreign visitors had played a role in initial infections among sex workers, and as HIV screening centres were set up across the country there were calls for visitors to be screened for HIV. Gradually, these calls subsided as more attention was paid to ensuring that HIV screening was carried out in blood banks.6 7
In 1987 a National AIDS Control Programme was launched to co-ordinate national responses. Its activities covered surveillance, blood screening, and health education.8 By the end of 1987, out of 52,907 who had been tested, around 135 people were found to be HIV positive and 14 had AIDS.9 Most of these initial cases had occurred through heterosexual sex, but at the end of the 1980s a rapid spread of HIV was observed among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland - three north-eastern states of India bordering Myanmar (Burma).10
At the beginning of the 1990s, as infection rates continued to rise, responses were strengthened. In 1992 the government set up NACO (the National AIDS Control Organisation), to oversee the formulation of policies, prevention work and control programmes relating to HIV and AIDS.11 In the same year, the government launched a Strategic Plan, the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) for HIV prevention. This plan established the administrative and technical basis for programme management and also set up State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) in 25 states and 7 union territories. It was able to make a number of important improvements in HIV prevention such as improving blood safety.
A human daisy chain on World Aids Day in India, December 2004. A human daisy chain on World Aids Day in India, December 2004.
By this stage, cases of HIV infection had been reported in every state of the country.12 Throughout the 1990s, it was clear that although individual states and cities had separate epidemics, HIV had spread to the general population. Increasingly, cases of infection were observed among people that had previously been seen as ‘low-risk’, such as housewives and richer members of society.13 In 1998, one author wrote:
“HIV infection is now common in India; exactly what the prevalence is, is not really known, but it can be stated without any fear of being wrong that infection is widespread… it is spreading rapidly into those segments that society in India does not recognise as being at risk. AIDS is coming out of the closet.”14
In 1999, the second phase of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP II) came into effect with the stated aim of reducing the spread of HIV through promoting behaviour change. During this time, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme and the provision of free antiretroviral treatment were implemented for the first time.15 In 2001, the government adopted the National AIDS Prevention and Control Policy and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee referred to HIV/AIDS as one of the most serious health challenges facing the country when he addressed parliament. Vajpayee also met the chief ministers of the six high-prevalence states to plan the implementation of strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention.16
The third phase (NACP III) began in 2007, with the highest priority placed on reaching 80 percent of high-risk groups including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users with targeted interventions.17 Targeted interventions are generally carried out by civil society or community organisations in partnership with the State AIDS Control Societies. They include outreach programmes focused on behaviour change through peer education, distribution of condoms and other risk reduction materials, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, linkages to health services, as well as advocacy and training of local groups. The NACP III also seeks to decentralise the HIV effort to the most local level, i.e. districts, and engage more non-governmental organisations in providing welfare services to those living with HIV/AIDS.18
Human immunodeficiency virus
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a member of the retrovirus family) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),[1][2] a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections. Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or breast milk. Within these bodily fluids, HIV is present as both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells. The four major routes of transmission are unsafe sex, contaminated needles, breast milk, and transmission from an infected mother to her baby at birth (perinatal transmission). Screening of blood products for HIV has largely eliminated transmission through blood transfusions or infected blood products in the developed world.
HIV infection in humans is considered pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nevertheless, complacency about HIV may play a key role in HIV risk.[3][4] From its discovery in 1981 to 2006, AIDS killed more than 25 million people.[5] HIV infects about 0.6% of the world's population.[5] In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. A third of these deaths are occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and increasing poverty.[6] According to current estimates, HIV is set to infect 90 million people in Africa, resulting in a minimum estimate of 18 million orphans.[7] Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries.[8]
HIV infects primarily vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells (to be specific, CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells.[9] HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through three main mechanisms: First, direct viral killing of infected cells; second, increased rates of apoptosis in infected cells; and third, killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize infected cells. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Most untreated people infected with HIV-1 eventually develop AIDS.[10] These individuals mostly die from opportunistic infections or malignancies associated with the progressive failure of the immune system.[11] HIV progresses to AIDS at a variable rate affected by viral, host, and environmental factors; most will progress to AIDS within 10 years of HIV infection: some will have progressed much sooner, and some will take much longer.[12][13] Treatment with anti-retrovirals increases the life expectancy of people infected with HIV. Even after HIV has progressed to diagnosable AIDS, the average survival time with antiretroviral therapy was estimated to be more than 5 years as of 2005.[14] Without antiretroviral therapy, someone who has AIDS typically dies within a year.[15]
HIV infection in humans is considered pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nevertheless, complacency about HIV may play a key role in HIV risk.[3][4] From its discovery in 1981 to 2006, AIDS killed more than 25 million people.[5] HIV infects about 0.6% of the world's population.[5] In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. A third of these deaths are occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and increasing poverty.[6] According to current estimates, HIV is set to infect 90 million people in Africa, resulting in a minimum estimate of 18 million orphans.[7] Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries.[8]
HIV infects primarily vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells (to be specific, CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells.[9] HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through three main mechanisms: First, direct viral killing of infected cells; second, increased rates of apoptosis in infected cells; and third, killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize infected cells. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Most untreated people infected with HIV-1 eventually develop AIDS.[10] These individuals mostly die from opportunistic infections or malignancies associated with the progressive failure of the immune system.[11] HIV progresses to AIDS at a variable rate affected by viral, host, and environmental factors; most will progress to AIDS within 10 years of HIV infection: some will have progressed much sooner, and some will take much longer.[12][13] Treatment with anti-retrovirals increases the life expectancy of people infected with HIV. Even after HIV has progressed to diagnosable AIDS, the average survival time with antiretroviral therapy was estimated to be more than 5 years as of 2005.[14] Without antiretroviral therapy, someone who has AIDS typically dies within a year.[15]
HIV positive people
HIV positive people
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Question book-new.svg
This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008)
This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. More details may be available on the talk page. (April 2008)
World map of travel & residence restrictions against people with HIV/AIDS
Legend:
Confirmed restrictions
Contradictory information, restriction is possible
No specific entry or regulation
No information about this country
HIV positive people are people who have the human immunodeficiency virus HIV, the agent of the currently incurable disease AIDS.
Over the years of coping with the stigma and discrimination that accompany the diagnosis in most societies, a large number of support groups have been formed. In these groups, the term most often applied to people who are HIV positive is "People Living With HIV/AIDS". This is often abbreviated as "PLWHA", "PLWA", or even "PLA". Recently, "People Living Positively" has also been used.[1]
The largest and oldest of the worldwide networks of people living with HIV is the Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (GNP+), which has affiliate networks on every continent.
Currently, UNAIDS estimates the number of people living with HIV at over 40,000,000. However, fewer than 20% of them are actually aware of the infection. Infection with HIV is determined by an HIV test.
HIV positive people are often discriminated against because of (often unfounded) fears of infection and because the infection is negatively associated with promiscuity, homosexuality, and drug addiction. In recent years, the rights of HIV positive people have been a major source of debate and controversy.[citation needed]
On January 20, 2004, the Bombay High Court ruled that HIV positive people cannot be denied jobs because they are HIV positive. Doing so infringes their constitutional right to earn a livelihood and right to equality. See Constitution of India.
[edit] See also
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Question book-new.svg
This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008)
This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. More details may be available on the talk page. (April 2008)
World map of travel & residence restrictions against people with HIV/AIDS
Legend:
Confirmed restrictions
Contradictory information, restriction is possible
No specific entry or regulation
No information about this country
HIV positive people are people who have the human immunodeficiency virus HIV, the agent of the currently incurable disease AIDS.
Over the years of coping with the stigma and discrimination that accompany the diagnosis in most societies, a large number of support groups have been formed. In these groups, the term most often applied to people who are HIV positive is "People Living With HIV/AIDS". This is often abbreviated as "PLWHA", "PLWA", or even "PLA". Recently, "People Living Positively" has also been used.[1]
The largest and oldest of the worldwide networks of people living with HIV is the Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (GNP+), which has affiliate networks on every continent.
Currently, UNAIDS estimates the number of people living with HIV at over 40,000,000. However, fewer than 20% of them are actually aware of the infection. Infection with HIV is determined by an HIV test.
HIV positive people are often discriminated against because of (often unfounded) fears of infection and because the infection is negatively associated with promiscuity, homosexuality, and drug addiction. In recent years, the rights of HIV positive people have been a major source of debate and controversy.[citation needed]
On January 20, 2004, the Bombay High Court ruled that HIV positive people cannot be denied jobs because they are HIV positive. Doing so infringes their constitutional right to earn a livelihood and right to equality. See Constitution of India.
[edit] See also
The Impact of HIV/AIDS
The Impact of HIV/AIDS
Over the past 27 years, nearly 25 million people have died from AIDS.1 HIV/AIDS causes debilitating illness and premature death in people during their prime years of life and has devastated families and communities. Further, HIV/AIDS has complicated efforts to fight poverty, improve health, and promote development by:2
* Diminishing a person’s ability to support, work and provide for his or her family. At the same time, treatment and health-care costs related to HIV/AIDS consume household incomes. The combined effect of reduced income and increased costs impoverishes individuals and households.
* Deepening socioeconomic and gender disparities. Women are at high risk of infection and have few options for providing for their families. Children affected by HIV/AIDS, due to their own infection or parental illness or death, are less likely to receive an education, as they leave school to care for ailing parents and younger siblings.
* Straining the resources of communities – hospitals, social services, schools and businesses. Health care workers, teachers, and business and government leaders have been lost to HIV/AIDS. The impact of diminished productivity is felt on a national scale.
Through unprecedented global attention and intervention efforts, the rate of new HIV infections has slowed and prevalence rates have leveled off globally and in many regions. Despite the progress seen in some countries and regions, the total number of people living with HIV continues to rise.
* In 2008, globally, about 2 million people died of AIDS, 33.4 million were living with HIV and 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus.
* HIV infections and AIDS deaths are unevenly distributed geographically and the nature of the epidemics vary by region. Epidemics are abating in some countries and burgeoning in others. More than 90 percent of people with HIV are living in the developing world.3
* There is growing recognition that the virus does not discriminate by age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status – everyone is susceptible. However, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs), and commercial sex workers (CSWs).
* The impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls has been particularly devastating. Women and girls now comprise 50 percent of those aged 15 and older living with HIV.1
* The impact of HIV/AIDS on children and young people is a severe and growing problem. In 2008, 430,000 children under age 15 were infected with HIV and 280,000 died of AIDS.1, 4 In addition, about 15 million children have lost one or both parents due to the disease.4
* There are effective prevention and treatment interventions, as well as research efforts to develop new approaches, medications and vaccines.
* The sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) focuses on stopping and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.
* Global funding is increasing, but global need is growing even faster – widening the funding gap. Services and funding are disproportionately available in developed countries.
Over the past 27 years, nearly 25 million people have died from AIDS.1 HIV/AIDS causes debilitating illness and premature death in people during their prime years of life and has devastated families and communities. Further, HIV/AIDS has complicated efforts to fight poverty, improve health, and promote development by:2
* Diminishing a person’s ability to support, work and provide for his or her family. At the same time, treatment and health-care costs related to HIV/AIDS consume household incomes. The combined effect of reduced income and increased costs impoverishes individuals and households.
* Deepening socioeconomic and gender disparities. Women are at high risk of infection and have few options for providing for their families. Children affected by HIV/AIDS, due to their own infection or parental illness or death, are less likely to receive an education, as they leave school to care for ailing parents and younger siblings.
* Straining the resources of communities – hospitals, social services, schools and businesses. Health care workers, teachers, and business and government leaders have been lost to HIV/AIDS. The impact of diminished productivity is felt on a national scale.
Through unprecedented global attention and intervention efforts, the rate of new HIV infections has slowed and prevalence rates have leveled off globally and in many regions. Despite the progress seen in some countries and regions, the total number of people living with HIV continues to rise.
* In 2008, globally, about 2 million people died of AIDS, 33.4 million were living with HIV and 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus.
* HIV infections and AIDS deaths are unevenly distributed geographically and the nature of the epidemics vary by region. Epidemics are abating in some countries and burgeoning in others. More than 90 percent of people with HIV are living in the developing world.3
* There is growing recognition that the virus does not discriminate by age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status – everyone is susceptible. However, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs), and commercial sex workers (CSWs).
* The impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls has been particularly devastating. Women and girls now comprise 50 percent of those aged 15 and older living with HIV.1
* The impact of HIV/AIDS on children and young people is a severe and growing problem. In 2008, 430,000 children under age 15 were infected with HIV and 280,000 died of AIDS.1, 4 In addition, about 15 million children have lost one or both parents due to the disease.4
* There are effective prevention and treatment interventions, as well as research efforts to develop new approaches, medications and vaccines.
* The sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) focuses on stopping and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.
* Global funding is increasing, but global need is growing even faster – widening the funding gap. Services and funding are disproportionately available in developed countries.
What is HIV and What is AIDS?
What is HIV and What is AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
HIV can be transmitted through the blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person. People can get HIV if one of these fluids enters the body and into the bloodstream. The disease can be passed during unprotected sex with a HIV-infected person. An HIV-infected mother can transmit HIV to her infant during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding. People can also become infected with HIV when using injection drugs through sharing needles and other equipment.
Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. These infections are usually controlled by a healthy immune system, but they can cause problems or even be life-threatening in someone with AIDS. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
A blood test can determine if a person is infected with HIV, but if a person tests positive for HIV, it does not necessarily mean that the person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition. A person infected with HIV may receive an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. A person with HIV can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
HIV can be transmitted through the blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person. People can get HIV if one of these fluids enters the body and into the bloodstream. The disease can be passed during unprotected sex with a HIV-infected person. An HIV-infected mother can transmit HIV to her infant during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding. People can also become infected with HIV when using injection drugs through sharing needles and other equipment.
Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. These infections are usually controlled by a healthy immune system, but they can cause problems or even be life-threatening in someone with AIDS. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
A blood test can determine if a person is infected with HIV, but if a person tests positive for HIV, it does not necessarily mean that the person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition. A person infected with HIV may receive an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. A person with HIV can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses.
About IAS-USA
About IAS-USA
The International AIDS Society-USA (IAS-USA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional organization that has been sponsoring continuing medical education (CME) programs for physicians since 1992 and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
The International AIDS Society-USA has a clearly defined mission, an extensive network of experienced and committed HIV/AIDS experts, and is recognized for high-quality, independent educational programs. The primary educational and informational programs sponsored by the International AIDS Society-USA include CME Courses, Cases on the Web, development of Treatment Guidelines, and publication and distribution of Topics in HIV Medicine®.
The International AIDS Society-USA is not affiliated with worldwide IAS (an international organization of members working in HIV/AIDS).
Content Development and Objectivity Policies for CME Activities
The IAS-USA was founded on the commitment to produce Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities and services of the highest quality in the field of HIV/AIDS and that are absolutely free of commercial bias. All of the IAS-USA programs – such as conferences, Web-based CME publications, and treatment guidelines – are offered as part of a nationwide effort to inform HIV health care practitioners about the evolving challenges of caring for patients with HIV disease.
To further ensure complete independence of its program and content from commercial interests, the IAS-USA has adopted a policy that prohibits health care providers who participate in commercial marketing or promotional activities from being involved in IAS-USA programs and activities. Information about the policy on the separation of promotional and marketing activities from IAS–USA CME activities, adopted in January 2009, can be found here.
The excellence of the IAS-USA programs is driven by a broad faculty of clinicians and researchers who are experts in HIV/AIDS and by the organization’s volunteer board of directors. The board and faculty determine issues that are most relevant to the clinical management of patients and guide the development of program content. New faculty members are screened by the IAS-USA in order to promote a diversity of clinical views.
The IAS-USA strives to maintain an objective, balanced, and scientifically rigorous program that is free from commercial bias. Funding for some organization programs may originate from educational grants from commercial companies or from Federal agencies. For CME activities that are designated to receive commercial support, the IAS-USA adheres to the following policies that prevent the involvement of outside entities in the planning and provision of program content:
* Commercially supported programs do not receive funding from a single source; funds must be received from several companies with competing products, and is pooled to be used at IAS-USA discretion.
* The IAS-USA maintains a firewall between commercial funding sources and CME program content by internally managing every aspect of the planning, development, and delivery of its CME activities.
* The IAS-USA requires full disclosure of relationships—financial and otherwise—that its faculty or other persons in control of content with commercial organizations and other outside entities.
* When a real or potential conflict of interest is determined to exist, the IAS-USA resolves the conflict before permitting a faculty member to participate in CME program development or implementation.
* Finally, the IAS-USA undertakes an independent peer review of the content and recommendations of all of its CME activities.
The International AIDS Society-USA (IAS-USA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional organization that has been sponsoring continuing medical education (CME) programs for physicians since 1992 and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
The International AIDS Society-USA has a clearly defined mission, an extensive network of experienced and committed HIV/AIDS experts, and is recognized for high-quality, independent educational programs. The primary educational and informational programs sponsored by the International AIDS Society-USA include CME Courses, Cases on the Web, development of Treatment Guidelines, and publication and distribution of Topics in HIV Medicine®.
The International AIDS Society-USA is not affiliated with worldwide IAS (an international organization of members working in HIV/AIDS).
Content Development and Objectivity Policies for CME Activities
The IAS-USA was founded on the commitment to produce Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities and services of the highest quality in the field of HIV/AIDS and that are absolutely free of commercial bias. All of the IAS-USA programs – such as conferences, Web-based CME publications, and treatment guidelines – are offered as part of a nationwide effort to inform HIV health care practitioners about the evolving challenges of caring for patients with HIV disease.
To further ensure complete independence of its program and content from commercial interests, the IAS-USA has adopted a policy that prohibits health care providers who participate in commercial marketing or promotional activities from being involved in IAS-USA programs and activities. Information about the policy on the separation of promotional and marketing activities from IAS–USA CME activities, adopted in January 2009, can be found here.
The excellence of the IAS-USA programs is driven by a broad faculty of clinicians and researchers who are experts in HIV/AIDS and by the organization’s volunteer board of directors. The board and faculty determine issues that are most relevant to the clinical management of patients and guide the development of program content. New faculty members are screened by the IAS-USA in order to promote a diversity of clinical views.
The IAS-USA strives to maintain an objective, balanced, and scientifically rigorous program that is free from commercial bias. Funding for some organization programs may originate from educational grants from commercial companies or from Federal agencies. For CME activities that are designated to receive commercial support, the IAS-USA adheres to the following policies that prevent the involvement of outside entities in the planning and provision of program content:
* Commercially supported programs do not receive funding from a single source; funds must be received from several companies with competing products, and is pooled to be used at IAS-USA discretion.
* The IAS-USA maintains a firewall between commercial funding sources and CME program content by internally managing every aspect of the planning, development, and delivery of its CME activities.
* The IAS-USA requires full disclosure of relationships—financial and otherwise—that its faculty or other persons in control of content with commercial organizations and other outside entities.
* When a real or potential conflict of interest is determined to exist, the IAS-USA resolves the conflict before permitting a faculty member to participate in CME program development or implementation.
* Finally, the IAS-USA undertakes an independent peer review of the content and recommendations of all of its CME activities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)