Basic Facts About HIV and AIDS

Presentation Objectives

By the end of this session you should be able to:

explain the facts about HIV and AIDS;

describe the modes of HIV transmission;

explain the life cycle of HIV.

The Facts About HIV•HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus

•HIV is the virus that causes AIDS in humans. Researchers have identified two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2.

•Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 have the same modes of transmission and are associated with similar opportunistic infections and AIDS, though there are differences in the efficiency of transmission and rates of disease progression.

•HIV-2, found primarily in West Africa, appears to be less easily transmitted and progresses more slowly to AIDS than HIV-1. It is possible to be infected with both types of HIV simultaneously.

•Once in the body, the virus starts to multiply slowly and attacks the white blood cells which protect the body against infections.

The Facts About AIDSAIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

AIDS is the result of infection by HIV.

There is a long period of time between being infected and developing AIDS. Someone who is HIV positive may

appear to be healthy for ten years or longer before the symptoms of AIDS develop.

Researchers and scientists believe that all people who are HIV positive will eventually develop AIDS. Although

there are treatments and drugs for some of the symptoms of AIDS, there is currently no known cure and it is always fatal.

The Transmission of HIV

HIV TransmissionThe virus is transmitted by:

• having unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral), with someone who is HIV positive;

• having a transfusion with infected blood;

• sharing syringes and needles with someone who is HIV positive for drugs and tattoos or other skin piercing

tools such as razor blades and surgical instruments for circumcision or scarification.

• mothers to their unborn babies and through breastfeeding. 

Contribution to Global Infections by Mode of Exposure

The Life Cycle of HIV

Natural History of HIV Natural History of HIV

Prevention to Care Continuum

Myths & Misconceptions: Transmission

HIV is not transmitted through:

•Casual contacts or handshake;

•Sharing living quarters, eating or drinking with an infected person;

•Mosquitoes and bed bugs.

Myths & Misconceptions: Prevention

Condoms are not Effective Against HIV

• Condoms are effective at protecting against HIV when used consistently and correctly.

• When used correctly, condoms rarely break (2% of the time in the US). When condoms do break, it is generally due to incorrect use, and not because of poor quality.

• HIV cannot pass through intact latex condoms.