Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook UNIT 2: FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV stands for: Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDS happens when a person with HIV becomes sick and needs treatment. AIDS stands for: Acquired (this means it is something you get) Immune (this describes how the body fights infections) Deficiency (this means not enough strength to fight infections) Syndrome (this means signs and symptoms of an infection) UNIT 2 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS 3
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International There are 3 phases of HIV/AIDS: The window period is when the virus is in the body but will not show up in the person s blood for 3-6 months. HIV+ is when the person will test positive for HIV but they still feel and look healthy. AIDS is when the person gets sick and needs medicine and care. Remember: HIV can be spread during all 3 phases! 4 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2
Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook HIV affects us all. Individuals Families Communities Stigma and Discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Stigma is bad feelings towards people who may be different from what others think is right or normal. Because of the behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS like sex, having many partners, or using drugs, people often stigmatize others who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Discrimination is the action of treating people badly for being different. Discrimination against PLWHA means that they are treated badly or do not have some rights because they are HIV+. PLWHA may not be able to get a job, become homeless, be isolated from churches, mosques, and communities, face violence, or receive poor care in clinics/hospitals. UNIT 2 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS 5
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International Ways HIV is Spread HIV lives in 3 kinds of fluids: Semen and vaginal fluids (cum) Blood Breast milk That means HIV is spread through: Sex with an infected person (with no condom) 6 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2
Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook HIV is spread through (continued): Pregnancy, labor, and delivery Breastfeeding Sharing needles and syringes Unsafe blood transfusion Sharing tools for circumcision, tattoos, tribal markings, shaving, and piercings UNIT 2 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS Contact with blood through cuts or sores 7
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International You CANNOT Get HIV from: Hugging Shaking or holding hands Bug bites Kissing Sharing a toilet Sharing food and drinks Dancing or swimming Coughing Living together 8 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2
Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook Relationship Between Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS HIV is passed through sex, just like many other infections (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and syphilis.) These are called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). (There is more information on STIs in Unit 10: AIDS-Related Conditions.) Some important things to know about HIV and STIs are: If someone is at risk for getting HIV, s/he is also at risk of getting other STIs. Having an STI makes it easier for a person to get HIV. Some STIs can cause sores, broken skin, or rashes around the penis and vagina. These make it easier for HIV to enter the body. Having an STI makes it easier for a person to give HIV to someone who they have sex with. When PLWHA get an STI, it is harder for their bodies to fight the STI. The fight against HIV is also the fight against STIs! Remember: Treat STIs early! Get partners treated too! Use condoms every time you have sex! UNIT 2 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS 9
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International Signs of AIDS The best way to know if a person has HIV/AIDS is to get tested at a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center. If there is no testing or a person does not want to get tested, there are signs of AIDS to look for. These signs go on for a long time: Losing weight Diarrhea Bad cough or Tuberculosis (TB) Bad fever 10 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2
Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook These can also be signs: Itchy skin Shingles Thrush (white rash) in mouth Swollen glands UNIT 2 Lots of ear, throat, or other infections (for children) FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS 11
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International Ways You Can Prevent HIV Both partners being faithful after testing negative. Using condoms correctly all the time and having safer sex (even if both partners are HIV+). Treating STIs. Not having sex. Making sure blood transfusion is safe. Burning or burying waste. Cleaning and sterilizing razors, needles, and cutting tools with bleach. Using new needles or clean needles when injecting drugs. Wearing gloves or plastic bags on your hands when you touch blood or other body fluids. 12 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2
Pathfinder International CHBC Handbook Ways You Can Prevent Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV Using Family Planning (FP) to avoid Having a safe delivery. unwanted pregnancies. Getting tested (VCT). Going for Antenatal Care (ANC) check-ups. Using condoms during pregnancy. Staying healthy and eating well. Taking Anti-Retrovirals (ARVs) (both mother & baby) around labor and delivery. Exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months (no other liquid or food). Exclusively bottle feeding for 6 months (no other liquid or food). Prevention and quick treatment of malaria. UNIT 2 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS 13
CHBC Handbook Pathfinder International Ways You Can Help Youth Protect Themselves from HIV Talking to them about HIV/AIDS. Showing them where to get condoms and Showing them how to use condoms. services. Talking with parents, leaders, and teachers. Working with youth groups. 14 FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS UNIT 2