HIV Research Paper

Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, is an infectious disease that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) when left untreated. With AIDS, an individual’s immune system is severely compromised which leads to life-threatening infections, cancer, and eventual death. HIV is primarily transmitted via direct blood contact, breast milk, and sexual contact. With the exception of one highly unique case, HIV is incurable but can be suppressed with highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). When HAART was introduced in 1996, HIV/AIDS related deaths have decreased dramatically, and HAART, when used for prophylactic measures (treatment plan also known as PrEP), has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection (Center for Disease Control, 2016).

Over one million cases of Chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2013. Despite this large number of reports it actually was a decrease by 1.5% since 2012 (CDC, 2014). Epidemiology statistics showed an increase in reported syphilis, including congenital. Other sexually transmitted diseases can pose higher risks for acquiring HIV. According to new studies, HIV is growing faster in populations that are over 50 versus 40 years and younger (BenRose, 2014). Factors may play a role in this such as higher divorce rates, new medications, and safe sex measures. Therefore, it is important for the healthcare provider screen for sexual activity and any change in sexual partners to provide routine testing when necessary and education on preventive

As a disease, HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted from person to person via sexual intercourse, mother to child, or intravenous drug paraphernalia. The virus itself causes, usually over a period of time, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS actually targets the immune system and causes an immunosuppression which makes people who have the virus more susceptible to cancers and infections. This is the most unique feature of the HIV/AIDS virus and is the most deadly since its implications are destructive if not properly treated (Moore 51). The significance of this disease is one that began in the 1980’s and initially was thought to be a virus only found within homosexual communities and was even originally called Gay-Related Immunodeficiency Virus. However, in 1981, it was found that the virus was spreading beyond the gay community when Blacks accounted for 25% of the HIV/AIDs population and a trend began where Blacks continued to contract HIV significantly more than

In today’s world we seem to put aside things that we consider no longer a threat. Well we are wrong to do this, because HIV/AIDS still affects over 5.4 million people that are walking around with this infection or full blown AIDS. They are friends, Criminals, neighbors, and even children attending school, etc. So, why do we think it is ok to not worry about a problem that does not have a cure, but only a life time of meds? Within this qualitative research method, we will explore Sexual risk, there or the Measures, Sexual risk, method, demographics, HIV/AIDS risk and may add other areas as they relate to this study.

First, we need to raise awareness of the prevalence of HIV in Baton Rouge by posting flyers saying how the capital has one of the highest prevalence of HIV in the country and that HIV is no longer a death sentence with modern medicine available. Also, list a plethora of clinics and free HIV testing centers on the flyers if people are interested in getting tested. We also need to create efficient and committed HIV advocacy organizations and advertise them around Baton Rouge for those with HIV who are seeking help. Even so, a study in Canada constructed a trial run consisting of using HIV-positive peer counselors administering seven 2-hour counseling sessions to small groups of gay and bisexual men. The goal of these sessions was to help reduce the prevalence of HIV transmission and high-risk sexual behaviors through implementing motivational interviewing, behavioral skills, and information about HIV (Hart et al. 1). When the trial run was finished, there were some impressive results. No doubt, there was a significant reduction in a number of men participating in sex without a condom with all status partners by 30 percent. Also, there was a significant reduction in loneliness, sexual compulsivity, and fear of being sexually rejected for insisting on condom use, by which these factors heavily contribute to sexually high-risk behaviors (Hart et al. 11).

Some 110 million Americans have an STD at any given time. With 50 percent of new STD cases involving persons aged 15-24(CDC), it's clear to see that there is a problem with prevention of these Infections. With having an STD, it puts people at more risk to get the HIV virus, which is not curable at this time (STD Facts). Showing that people who haven't contracted an STD are less likely to preform risky sex behavior.

Prevention of HIV begins with using latex condoms during sex. In addition to using condoms, abstinence, limiting the number of sexual partners, and not sharing needles are

The advanced searched terms used were prevention and sexually transmitted infections. A total of 90 searches appeared and two clinical practices were selected for review.

Just as there are risk factors, there are many ways to decrease that risk. Proper condom use decreases the risk of HIV infection by 98-99% and using a medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, before sexual contact can reduce the risk by 92-99%. (“Love”) Knowing the HIV status of an individual’s partner or partners can also greatly reduce the change of HIV transmission. After all, the only way to become infected with HIV is to come into contact with a person who is HIV positive.

Riviere, L., Darlix, J., & Cimarelli, A. (2009). Analysis Of The Viral Elements Required In The Nuclear Import Of HIV-1 DNA. Journal of Virology, 729-739. Retrieved October 4, 2014.

So, the issue at hand and the recommendation concerning preventive health and counseling prevent sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus begins with the efficacy of risk reduction (sexual behavior), prevention, intervention, and clinician counseling deliver in a variety of settings (clinician or non-clinician).

Available treatment for HIV infected individuals currently includes HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy). This treatment has proven to be effective by extending life of individuals affected by HIV, doing so by decreasing viral load, HIV transmission, disease progression, reducing severity of symptoms and preserved the immune system. Therefore, it is important for the patient to get tested to ensure treatment is no delayed and risk further complication. As the virus progress the illness associated with it becomes more complicated and difficult to treat because without treatment the immunodeficiency rises. “The majority of disease occurs in the advanced stages of HIV infection where immunosuppression is the predominant influence Hogan, C., & Wilkins, E., (2011).” Therefore for patient should seek early treatment and adhere to medication regimen to decrease progression of the infection and prevent further complication. Other issues that need to be address is measures need to be taken for early testing, without being tested many patient are able to transfer the virus from one person to another without even knowing. Early diagnose of the disease will give patient the opportunity to seek medical care and become knowledgeable of the step needed to take to prevent them from infecting other individual. Several states have now implement policies to test newborn babies for the HIV virus without permission of the parents. ----------cite.

On July 2012, the U.S F.D.A approved the drug – Tenovir/Emtricitabine, as the first drug to be used in the pre-exposure prevention of HIV in adults who had the highest risk of contracting the disease. The research, backed by clinical trials proved that routine intake of the prophylaxis drug was likely to reduce the risk of contracting HIV transmitted through sex. This was good news given the growing number of new cases of the disease in the United States of America, and in the rest of the world where the drug would form a major component in cutting the risks of new infections in combination with other secondary measures. However, a major challenge to the increases use of the prophylactic drug

Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that studies, as noted before, have shown PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV through sexual intercourse by more than 90% and by more than 70% among populations who inject drugs when taken regularly. Gay or bisexual men increase their chance of being exposed to the virus if they have had anal sex without a condom, been diagnosed with an STD during the past 6 months or are in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner. The 2014 HIV in the United States: At A Glance report states,

In the last three decades HIV/ AIDS has become the one of the most notorious and widely spread diseases in the modern world. Its discovery in the late seventies prompted worldwide concern. The one thing that has become the most bothersome thing about the HIV/ AIDS epidemic is prevention. Prevention or stopping the transmission of the diseases is hindered by factors such as: denial or non-acceptance by infected persons, unsafe sex, and non-disclosure by infected persons to their at risk sexual partner(s). According to Alghazo, Upton, and Cioe (2011):