HIV Diagnosis Essay Example for Free

HIV Diagnosis EssayBecause a new HIV diagnosis canister be stressful to an individual, it is not only important to seek follow-up negociate from a medical viewpoint, but from a mental and spiritual standpoint as well. Some follow-up recommendations may include 1. Prompt medical treatment for initiation of antiretroviral medications, appropriate vaccine administration 2. Continuation of medical care including taking prescribed medication, even when not symptomatic. 3. Education regarding changes in behaviors to reduce risk of transmission to others. 4. Referrals to behavioral and psychological services to assist with emotional unavoidably as well as assistance with coping strategies to deal with the many changes that accompany the diagnosis. 5. Encouragement to seek spiritual care and companionship.6. Education regarding reproductive choices and antifertility information.1What is hiv?HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, which leads to immunosuppression. The immunosuppression c an cause opportunistic contagious diseases, cancer, central nervous system degeneration, and death. HIV is transmitted from person to person from sexual contact, broth contact, or from mother to infant.. 2 HIV is generally classified into three categories the primary infection phase, the latent phase, and the overt AIDS infection phase. The progression of these phases typically spans 8-12 years.Many people necessitate symptoms subsequently their primary infection that may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, night sweats, gastrointestinal problems, rash, and headache. If the infection is detected during the primary infection period, the patient may have a much better outcome with early treatment. The primary phase is followed by the latent phase, when the patient is asymptomatic. This phase lasts an amount of 10 years. The latent phase is followed by overt-AIDS. If untreated, this phase can lead to death within 2-3 years, or sooner.2 whos at risk?Men who have insecure sex wit h men are at the greatest risk for getting HIV. Infants are at risk for acquiring HIV from their mothers in utero, during jab and/or delivery, and during breastfeeding however transmission can be almost entirely prevented by the proper use of antiretroviralmedications and the absence of breastfeeding. 3 Sharing contaminated needles, unprotected sex, receiving un unfruitful medical procedures, and accidental needle sticks put individuals at risk. testing There are several different tests available to screen for HIV. Testing is recommended at least(prenominal) once per year for sexually active persons. Enzyme immunoassay test (results take up to two weeks) 4Rapid HIV antibody test (results take 10-20 minutes) 4Both tests may be done using consanguinity, oral fluid, or urine. If a demonstrable result from either of the previous two tests, a westward Blot test must be performed. Testing may not be positive even in the presence of infection if testing occurs shortly after infectio n. The results of the Western Blot test may take up to two weeks. 4 Antigen test (blood test. Can diagnose earlier at 1-3 weeks after first infection) 4 PCR testCan identify HIV in blood within 2-3 weeks of infection.Used in testing of babies born to HIV positive mothers to determine if the babies themselves are positive4 Home testing kitsHome test kits may be purchased at most pharmacies. A small blood sample is mailed in and the patient is contacted with results.4 PreventionThere are several different ways individuals can help prevent acquiring HIV. Some of the methods include1. Correct and consistent use of condoms2. Abstinence or mutual monogamous long-term relationships3. Regular testing for HIV4. Use of sterile syringes by IV drug users5. Antiretroviral treatment for those infected56. Male circumcisionTREATMEntThere is no cure for HIV. preaching focuses on slowing down the replication of the virus. Treatment of the HIV virus involves taking medication that interrupts the viru ss replication process. Typically this involves using a combination of medications. The current standard treatment is a combination of three to four antiviral medications which is referred to as high active antiretroviral therapy or HAART.2 Because opportunistic infections arehighly problematic in individuals with HIV/AIDS, infection exposure should be limited and vaccines should be obtained as recommended. 2