Transcript Halt and Reverse: HIV/AIDS - Rowan University

Halt and Reverse:
HIV/AIDS
History
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Discovered in 1980s
Originally linked to gay males
1985 - first blood test approved
In 1986, AZT, a failed cancer drug, was
tested as an HIV treatment for the first
time
AZT was used primarily until the later 90s
1996 - Doctors prescribe cocktails for
treatment
2006 - First notable decline in AIDS/HIV
Complications
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We must learn how to prevent instead of
merely treat
Cost Effectiveness and access to healthcare
are large components of AIDS/HIV
treatments
Providing care to developing countries as
well as our own. The burden is shared but
carried by few
General Facts
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Weakened Immune System
Leads to AIDS
Symptoms hidden for decades in some
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Final stages of HIV
Immune system withered away
Cancers, bacteria, other viruses easily take
over
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How is it spread?
HIV is a contagious virus
Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk
from someone with HIV must come in
contact with a mucous membrane or
damaged tissue of an individual without HIV
Common contact includes
Unprotected sex
Sharing of needles, syringes, other
intravenous equipment
Breastfeeding
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Who is at risk?
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Racial/Ethnic groups
Substance Abusers
Gay and Bisexual men
Youth
Young people aged 13-29 account for 39% of
all new HIV infections.
Prevention
Know your status and partners status
Practicing safe sex - condoms or other barriers
Increase the availability of condoms/barriers
and safe sex and health education
worldwide
Educate others on testing
Get Tested!
Tests are 99.9% accurate
Results appear about 3 months after exposure
CDC recommends everyone is tested at least
once
www.hivtest.org - Find a testing site
Oral swabs for antibodies in mucous
Needles aren't even needed anymore to detect
http://www.freehivtest.net/learn/#
If you test positive
AHF(AIDS Healthcare Foundation) - 1987
Protect your physical and emotional health
Get informed - Tips, and treatment education
Tell others
Smart Couples Project http://www.thebody.com/content/art1464
9.html
There is hope!
Mississippi
Doctors claim to have cured infant with HIV by
applying drug cocktail 30 hours after birth
At 18 months - drugs were removed
No signs for 10 months, deemed functionally
cured
Could lead to over 300,000 cured yearly
Cure Search
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The Berlin patient - leukemia bone marrow
transplant lead to cure of HIV
Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Gilead
Sciences Inc are all searching for a cure
We must shift away from simply preventing.
Resources
"Treat HIV Now." . Gilead Sciences Inc, n.d. Web. 28 Apr
2013. <http://www.treathivnow.com/hivfacts/treating-hiv-today>.
"Learn About HIV and AIDS." AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, n.d. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
<http://www.aidshealth.org/learn-aboutPettypiece, Shannon. " HIV-Infected Infant Cured With
Early Use of AIDS Drugs." Bloomberg . Bloomberg.net, 4
Mar 2013. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-03/hivinfected-infant-cured-with-early-use-of-virus-blockingdrugs.html>.