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Medicine Cabinet Alert!
December 2016
Healthy Ways to Live Your Days
World AIDS Day
Telephone Directory
Employee Health Benefits
(941) 748-4501 ext 6403
Member Advocacy
(941) 748-4501 ext 6407,
ext 6409, and ext 6411
World AIDS Day has taken place every December 1st since 1988. This day is dedicated to
spreading awareness and honoring those who have passed away as a result of the disease. In
2015, 2.1 million people were diagnosed with HIV and 36.7 million people worldwide were living
with HIV/AIDS. While less people are being diagnosed each year, it is important to understand
the differences between HIV and AIDS.
Lifestyle Assistance and
Modification Program (LAMP)
(941)741-2995
Diabetes Program
(941) 748-4501 ext 6410
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Nutrition Program
(941) 748-4501 ext 6464
Communications Coordinator
(941)748-4501 ext 3967
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Fitness/Exercise Programs
(941)748-4501 ext 3979
Pharmacy Advocate
(941) 748-4501 ext 6406
Optum Rx
(800) 562-6223
Precertification
(941) 741-2963
HIV
AIDS
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
A virus that CAN lead to AIDS
A person can have the HIV virus with it
never developing into AIDS
An person with HIV will have the virus
for life
Only affects humans
Attacks T cells and decreases the
body’s ability to fight other infections
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A condition caused by the HIV virus
The last stage of the HIV virus, which
leaves a person with little to no
protective immune system
Tuberculosis, pneumonia and some
types of cancer can develop in a
person diagnosed with AIDS
These complications are typically what
will cause the patient’s death
Before exploring how HIV affects the body, let’s first look at some of the different parts at work in
a normal immune system:
 Antigen- a piece of the invading virus that activates the immune system
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Helper T cell- reads the antigen signal and sounds the alarm producing the immune defense
www.ManateeYourChoice.com
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Plasma B cell- turns on when the alarm sounds and releases antibodies specific to that virus
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Antibodies- attach themselves to the virus/infected cell so the immune system can
easily find and destroy it
The HIV infection attacks the helper T cells. This weakens the alarm to the other parts of the
immune system.
Without treatment, the HIV virus will advance in stages more rapidly:
1. In the “Acute HIV Infection” stage, a person will experience flu-like symptoms (fever,
headache, rash). This stage is when a person is at the greatest risk of spreading the
virus.
2. In the “Chronic HIV Infection” stage, the virus is not spreading and growing as quickly. Some people do not experience
any symptoms in this stage.
3. In the “AIDS” stage, a person’s immune system has been so severely damaged that it can no longer fight off infections.
Progression of Untreated HIV Infection
Treatment Options
Treatment is for everyone and will help HIV-infected people live longer, healthier lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a
combination of HIV medications that are used to treat the HIV virus. ART should be started as soon as someone becomes
infected with the HIV virus. ART also helps to decrease the chances of spreading the virus to others. A healthcare provider will
work with people who are infected with the HIV virus to choose the best combination of medications.
HIV can be spread from person to person through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, or breast milk. This
means there are several risky activities that increase the chance for exposure. These include unprotected sex, breast feeding,
sharing needs, etc. The best way to reduce this risk of exposure would be by avoiding these activities or using protective
measures such as condoms. If you may be infected by the virus there are several tests that can be performed:
Antibody Screening
(Immunoassay)
Home Testing
RNA Test
Detects the specific antibodies for the virus
Usually must wait at least 3 weeks for antibodies to develop
Uses blood or saliva for testing
Available at most drug stores but offer contact information for counseling services
Detects the antibodies in blood or saliva
Results may need to be mailed for review
Looks for the virus directly
Can be used as early as 10 days after infection
Most expensive test so often used as the follow up test
If you are negative, it is best to retest again after it has been 3 months (the full time to develop antibodies) or if another exposure
is possible.
If you are positive, a follow up test will be performed. This follow up test is done at a healthcare office. While you are there you
will be counseled on the disease, get information on different resources available, and be referred to different physicians for
care.
After Diagnosis
Questions surrounding the condition are usually addressed during the testing process or during the first doctor’s
appointment. Beyond this, patients may be worried about whom they should share their status with or what to do if they are in a
relationship. Who you choose to tell is ultimately up to you but thinking of these questions could help make this decision easier:
1. Have I had sexual contact with this person since my exposure?
It is VERY important to tell any sexual partners about your status. One in seven people who are positive
for HIV do not know. This can lead to severe health risks for that person.
2. What kind of support can this person provide?
Being diagnosed HIV positive can be very stressful. After diagnosis, it is best to surround yourself with
people who care about your well being.
3. What are this person’s attitude and/or knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS?
Some people do not fully understand what HIV is or have preconceived notions regarding the disease.
If you know someone has a negative view, they may not be the right person to tell right away.
For each person, think about the pros or cons of telling them about your status. Do they need to
know now or can it wait? Are you in a mixed status relationship with this person?
Did you know?
Studies show that
HIV was first passed
to humans as late as
the 1800’s!
Scientists believe the
virus was spread to
humans from eating
infected chimpanzee
meat.
A mixed status relationship is a sexual relationship where one partner is positive for HIV and the other is negative. While there is
always a risk for infecting the negative partner, there are ways to decrease this. It is important to encourage both partners to
take any medication therapy that is prescribed by their doctor. Partners should also practice safe sex to reduce the spread of the
virus in bodily fluids. Activities such as hugging or kissing will not spread the virus but both
partners should be careful to cover any open wounds or blisters. Finally, communication
between all parties is very important. Any questions or concerns should be addressed by
either discussing with the partner or a physician.
While you or a loved one may not be suffering from HIV/AIDS, it is important to understand
that millions of people are. New therapies and discoveries about the virus have made great
improvements in how these patients are treated. World AIDS day gives us the opportunity
to educate ourselves on HIV/AIDS and help fight lingering misinformation out in the public.
While not an annual screening, it is recommended that all adults get tested for HIV and
avoid risky activities that could result in exposure.
Manatee County Government’s Center for Health & Lifestyle Management * www.ManateeYourChoice.com
Manatee Health Disclaimer
The information in this newsletter is not a substitute for medical advice. It is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for your specific medical
conditions-only a health care provider can do this. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician regarding the use of overthe-counter products to treat any medical condition or consult your physician regarding the use of prescription or over-the-counter products to treat any medical condition
or before starting any new diet, fitness, or supplement regimen.
Prescription Benefit Manager:
Optum Rx
For: Manatee YourChoice Health Plan
Bradenton, Florida
Prepared by:
Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 101632
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Editor: Melissa Sherer Krause, Pharm.D.
Contributors: Christopher K. Williams, Pharm.D.,
B Cauley, B Enderby Pharm. D. Candidates.
Designer: Linda Richardson