Human immunodeficiency virus It is a virus that attacks the CD4 cells present within the body, these are immune cells and so through destroying them the body becomes weaker and will have an increased chance of developing infections.
1 of 13
What is AIDS?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A cluster of symptoms, these systems being a result of a weak immune system due to already having HIV and a lack off immunity.
2 of 13
what are the three causes of HIV?
Unprotected sex – anal sex is the riskiest, vaginal sex, oral sex. Infected blood getting into the bloodstream – transfusions, wound, needles Mother to baby – breast feeding, natural birth, through placenta.
3 of 13
in order of risk what bodily fluids can transmit infection of HIV?
The virus is quite delicate and cannot survive for long outside the body Sexual contact carries a higher risk than other activities as it involves direct transmission Progress of infection – HIV is a retrovirus
5 of 13
why is HIV so hard to treat?
Retroviruses make mistakes when they go through replication meaning that mutation occurs, this makes the virus hard to treat as it is constantly changing. Detecting the virus - the immune system finds it difficult to distinguish between virus'
6 of 13
what are some of the symptoms of HIV?
Flu like symptoms, Fever, Headaches, Muscle aches, Joint pain, Swelling of lymph nodes
7 of 13
what role do antibodies play in fighting the virus?
The body sees the virus as foreign by detecting antigens, body starts to release special chemicals into the blood these are known and antibodies, these antibodies start off in low levels and then steadily build up in the blood overtime.
8 of 13
what is hepatitis?
Term used to describe inflammation of the liver it is usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by excessive drinking of alcohol. Some types will pass without any serious problems whilst others can be long- lasting ( chronic)
9 of 13
how is hepatitis spread?
Blood/blood contact, unprotected sex, mother to baby, drug users ( shared needles) Unlike HIV hep is present in saliva, urine/faeces, razor blades and toothbrushes.
10 of 13
how does hepatitis get diagnosed?
Blood tests can detect the presence of hep virus The presence of antibodies indicates that the person has immunity to the virus – been exposed to the virus and has recovered.
11 of 13
what is the liver for?
Liver is vital – important for the formation and destruction of red blood cells, aids in digestion Breaks down toxic substances
12 of 13
what is the treatment for hepatitis?
No specific treatment, good diet and rest encouraged, avoidance of alcohol whilst liver heals Immunisation – hep B vaccine is single most effective way of protection against infection. Hep C vaccination does not exist, three injections 0,1,6 months
13 of 13
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is AIDS?
Back
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A cluster of symptoms, these systems being a result of a weak immune system due to already having HIV and a lack off immunity.
Card 3
Front
what are the three causes of HIV?
Back
Card 4
Front
in order of risk what bodily fluids can transmit infection of HIV?
Comments
No comments have yet been made