Projected Life Expectancy of People With HIV, Research Paper Example

Causative Organism

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the precursor to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a Lentivirus related to the Retroviridae family (Siemens.com).

Mode of Transmission

HIV is transmitted through infected semen, blood, or vaginal secretions when they enter the body, and the virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging or kissing (Mayo Clinic, 2014). HIV infection is transmitted through the following methods: 1) sexual intercourse with an infected person through blood, secretions, or semen infiltrate the body; 2) blood transfusions, whereby HIV antibodies are transferred to non-infected persons; 3) Needle sharing during drug use through infected blood sources; and 4) pregnancy and breast feeding when mothers are HIV positive and are not on medication to lower this risk (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Signs and Symptoms

There are a number of different possible symptoms of HIV in patients, but many are characterized by flu-like symptoms as the initial response to the virus (AIDS.gov, 2014). The most common symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen glands, headache, rash, and muscle/joint aches, better known as Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) in this early stage of development (AIDS.gov, 2014). Testing for the virus is the only definitive means of determining if the infection is present and if treatment is required (AIDS.gov, 2014).

Treatment and Prognosis

In some cases of HIV, there are no symptoms or other signs of illness for a period of many years, but this is highly individualistic, and each case must be examined individually in order to determine a patient’s required treatment regimen and prognosis (AIDS.gov, 2014). Patients who are diagnosed with HIV should begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible in order to minimize the risk of developing AIDS and in promoting longer survival (Nakagawa et.al, 2012). These therapies aim to prolong the life span and to reduce viral load as much as possible, while also considering that a late diagnosis of HIV is also a threat to a patient’s life expectancy and general wellbeing (Nakagawa et.al, 2012).

Complications

The progression of HIV into AIDS is typically exacerbated if antiretroviral therapy is not used and immunity gradually weakens over time (AIDS.gov, 2014). When this occurs, patients with HIV and clinical latency are likely to experience a progression into the symptoms of AIDS (AIDS.gov, 2014). During this stage, weight loss may be rapid, fever and night sweats may occur, pneumonia may develop, sores may be evident, and a host of other symptoms that gradually progress the virus throughout the body (AIDS.gov, 2014).

Prevention

HIV prevention is relatively simple in scope, yet it requires due diligence and attention in order to promote positive behavioral and lifestyle modifications accordingly. For example, drug users should not share needles under any circumstances to minimize the risk of infection. Furthermore, patients receiving blood transfusions should be carefully protected through protocols used to detect HIV antibodies. Finally, individuals should use condoms during sexual intercourse in order to protect themselves from potential infection, particularly when using multiple partners.

Analysis

HIV is a complex virus on many different levels; therefore, it must be examined closely in the context of its impact on patients in many parts of the world. In areas where access to information and therapies are common, there is a likelihood of greater life expectancy and quality of life, while areas without access to these resources will suffer from poor prognosis and lower life expectancies. Therefore, patients must have access to these treatments and an opportunity to see a physician on a regular basis in order to improve their condition and overall health status over time.

Implications Current to the Health of the Community

The impact of HIV throughout the world continues to be significant and contributes to a host of significant challenges for communities where the infection is most common, such as sub-Sahara Africa. Other communities that are impacted by HIV include homosexuals, intravenous drug users, and those who engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners. These risks require individuals to be proactive in aiming to prevent the spread of infection and if HIV is suspected, patients must seek a definitive diagnosis and treatment alternatives as soon as possible.

Activity 1

O’Byrne, P. (2012). HIV prevention in the context of care: HIV testing and public health practice. Public Health Nursing, 29(2), 175-184.

Activity 2

It is important to identify methods to address the transmissibility, exposure, and duration in the prevention of disease. However, research-based approaches are the only common method by which these objectives are sought since a cure for HIV is not yet achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to aim to support efforts that will have a positive impact on reducing transmissibility in order to prevent the spread of infection effectively.

References

AIDS.gov (2014). Signs & Symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/signs-and-symptoms/

González-Guarda, R. M., McCabe, B. E., Florom-Smith, A., Cianelli, R., & Peragallo, N. (2011). Substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression: An underlying syndemic factor among Latinas. Nursing research, 60(3), 182.

Mayo Clinic (2014). Causes. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/basics/causes/con-20013732

Nakagawa, F., Lodwick, R. K., Smith, C. J., Smith, R., Cambiano, V., Lundgren, J. D., … & Phillips, A. N. (2012). Projected life expectancy of people with HIV according to timing of diagnosis. Aids, 26(3), 335-343.

O’Byrne, P. (2012). HIV prevention in the context of care: HIV testing and public health practice. Public Health Nursing, 29(2), 175-184.

Siemens.com. HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.siemens.com/siemens_hwem-hwem_ssxa_websites-context-root/wcm/idc/groups/public/@global/@lab/documents/download/mdaw/mtc1/~edisp/hiv_aids-00046378.pdf