| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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A major failure of the body's immune system (immunodeficiency). This
failure decreases the body's ability to fight infection and suppress
multiplication of abnormal cells, such as cancer. It affects the immune
system, including special blood cells (lymphocytes) and cells of the
organs (bone marrow, spleen, liver and lymph glands). These cells
manufacture antibodies to protect against disease and cancer. AIDS is a
secondary immunodeficiency syndrome resulting from HIV infection.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
- Initial infection with HIV may produce no symptoms.
- Fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Recurrent respiratory and skin infections; fever.
- Swollen lymph glands throughout the body.
- Genital changes.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Diarrhea.
- Mouth sores.
- Night sweats.
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| Causes |
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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus); a virus (retrovirus) that invades
and destroys cells of the immune system. HIV infection results in
lowered resistance to other infections and some cancers.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Avoid sexual contact with affected persons or known intravenous
drug users.
- Sexual activity should be restricted to partners whose sexual
histories are known.
- Use condoms for vaginal and anal intercourse (effectiveness is
not proved, but their consistent use may reduce transmission).
- The risk of oral sex is not fully known. Ejaculation into the
mouth should be avoided.
- Avoid intravenous self-administered drugs. Do not share
unsterilized needles.
- Avoid unscreened blood products (some foreign countries may not
test the blood as the USA does).
- Infected people or those in risk groups are advised not to
donate blood, sperm, organs or tissue.
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| Expected Outcome |
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This condition is currently considered incurable. However, symptoms
can be relieved or controlled and scientific research into causes and
treatment continues. AIDS may not develop for years following a
positive HIV test. Once ill, survival averages vary.
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| Possible Complications |
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Serious infection in various body systems; cancer, death.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Laboratory blood studies of blood cells and HIV antibodies test
(may not become positive for 6 months after contact) can confirm the diagnosis.
Newly diagnosed patients should be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases
and infections, such as TB.
- Obtain psychotherapy or counseling to cope with anxiety and depression about
having the disease and the likelihood of death.
- Hospitalization may be required when there are complications.
- Some patients join in research programs (working to find improved treatments or
vaccines) which may provide free care.
- Early diagnosis is helpful. If you are at risk, obtain a medical evaluation
even if you feel well. If you plan to be, or are pregnant, HIV testing can be
helpful. If infected, special treatment during pregnancy can reduce risks of
infecting the newborn.
- Avoid exposure to people with infections, e.g., colds.
- Contact social agencies in your area about AIDS support groups.
- Additional information is available from the National AIDS Hotline
(800) 342-2437; Spanish version (800) 342-7432.
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| Medication |
- Drugs are currently not effective in curing HIV or AIDS. A
variety of drugs are used to prevent infections or control them as
they develop.
- Antiretroviral drugs (didanosine, stavodine, zalcitabine,
zidovudine) and protease inhibitor drugs are used to treat HIV
infection and AIDS and may slow the progression. Expert
consultation on their use is advised. In an HIV infected pregnant
woman, these drugs (e.g., zidovodine) reduce the risk of HIV
infection in the newborn.
- Research continues into new drugs and vaccines for HIV.
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| Activity |
- Activities will depend on the state of health of each individual.
Symptoms, such as fatigue or infections, can limit some activities.
- Rest is important, but an exercise routine is also recommended.
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| Diet |
- Maintain good nutrition. Malabsorption, altered metabolism and
weight loss are common among patients.
- Avoid raw eggs, unpasteurized milk or other potentially
contaminated foods.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of HIV infection.
- Infection occurs after diagnosis. Symptoms include fever,
cough, and diarrhea.
- Other new symptoms develop (drugs used in treatment have
many side effects).
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