* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download It can be prevented, it depends on you
Survey
Document related concepts
Tuberculosis wikipedia , lookup
Leptospirosis wikipedia , lookup
Oesophagostomum wikipedia , lookup
Schistosomiasis wikipedia , lookup
Trichinosis wikipedia , lookup
West Nile fever wikipedia , lookup
Human cytomegalovirus wikipedia , lookup
Hospital-acquired infection wikipedia , lookup
Marburg virus disease wikipedia , lookup
Neonatal infection wikipedia , lookup
Hepatitis C wikipedia , lookup
Hepatitis B wikipedia , lookup
Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS wikipedia , lookup
Sexually transmitted infection wikipedia , lookup
Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS wikipedia , lookup
Microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases wikipedia , lookup
Transcript
Infection from and HIV AIDS It can be prevented, it depends on you Aids is a problem for everyone Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a slow-developing infectious disease caused by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). It is a serious disease but it can be prevented. Anyone can be infected and prevention depends on each person’s behaviour, but also on the establishment of a tolerant and respectful attitude towards different life styles, and support for those infected, or those especially vulnerable to infection by this virus. Present day reality shows us the need and the importance of prevention as a basic measure because, as yet, there is no vaccination against AIDS and no cure. It is also very important for the infection to be diagnosed early, as, fortunately, there are medicines available to prolong the lives of infected people and provide a better quality of life. 3400 cases of AIDS have been diagnosed in Galicia and between 5200 and 7100 people infected with HIV are estimated to be living here and, at least 25% of them do not know that they are infected. The aim of this publication is to help clarify doubts about HIV infection from a standpoint that shows respect for individual ethics and morals, as well as for the varied life styles of the people who make up society, encouraging positive attitudes towards this problem. What is HIV? HIV is a virus that specifically attacks some of the immune system cells that defend us from germs and illnesses. The most important cells in the human immune system are the lymphocytes, which are divided into two large groups: type-B and type-T. Within type-T are the T4, which play a very important role in the immune system and are directly attacked by HIV, causing an immune deficiency that stops them from defending the body. After entering the human body and causing the infection, the affected person may not show any symptoms for several years. At this first stage, the HIV invades and actively multiplies itself in the infected immune system cells. After some years, when the immune system has greatly deteriorated, several diseases typical of AIDS appear: various types of infection, some types of cancer… [ From the moment a person becomes infected, they can pass it on to others if appropriate protection measures are not taken What is AIDS? The word AIDS is the acronym of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: A stands for Acquired, what means that it is not inherited but we obtain it at some time in our life. I stands for Immune and it is related to the immune system, which is the mechanism our body has to defend us from micro-organisms that cause disease. D stands for Deficiency, which means that something is not working properly, in this case, the immune system. S stands for Syndrome which is the set of signs and symptoms for the disease. Therefore, AIDS is the appearance of one or more illnesses caused by immune deficiency, which in turn is caused by HIV infection. [ AIDS is the most severe and advanced stage of HIV infection Transmission of HIV Before the virus can be transmitted, there must be: >> A source of infection, where the HIV comes from. There are only four fluids containing enough of the virus to pass it on: blood, semen, vaginal discharge and, to a lesser extent, mother’s milk from people infected. >> A transmission channel. This allows the carrier’s HIV to reach another person. These channels are: blood, sex and the mother-child relationship. >> A recipient. HIV enters the body when the infectious fluids come into contact with blood or a mucous membrane (lining of the interior of the vagina, penis, rectum, mouth…). HIV CAN BE PASSED ON BY THESE DANGEROUS PRACTICES: 1. Sexual intercourse without a condom HIV can be passed on if you have sexual intercourse with infected people without protection (either hetero- or homosexual). Not all types of sexual intercourse carry the same risk: >> Anal intercourse without a condom involves a higher risk because the mucous membrane of the rectum is fragile and can be easily damaged, which helps the virus to enter. If there is also bleeding, the HIV in the blood will be added to those in the semen. >> Vaginal intercourse without condom is also high risk. >> Unprotected oral sex is a lesser cause of infection. Some other important issues related to sexual transmission are: > The presence of sexually transmitted diseases, sores and/or genital ulcers increases the risk of infection. > The more sexual partners you have, the higher the risk of getting infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. [ It is important to emphasise that there has been a steady increase in AIDS through heterosexual relationships over the last few years 2. Sharing syringes, needles, other things used for injecting, or any sharp instrument that might have been in contact with HIV-infected blood. The infection occurs when the blood from an infected person gets into another person's bloodstream. This happens with people sharing syringes and/or other items for injecting drugs (spoons, tampons, filters, etc). Other sharp or cutting instruments that have not been thoroughly disinfected can also be a means of transmission. Such objects are, for example, acupuncture and tattoo needles, razor blades, manicure scissors etc., electric epilators, piercing or ear-piercing instruments… Likewise, sharing personal effects such as toothbrushes is also risky, in theory at least, because gum bleeding while brushing teeth is quite frequent and therefore you should not share such items of personal hygiene. 3. Mother-child relationship Transmission that takes place from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breast-feeding is called perinatal transmission. The chances of this type of transmission occurring are reduced if the infected woman is appropriately treated during pregnancy. HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED BY: Sharing the work place… Sharing a room… Attending the same school or classroom… Hugging… Kissing… Tears… Sweat… Coughing… Eating at the same table… Sharing showers… Swimming in the same swimming pool… Blood transfusions and the use of blood products, as well as organ transplants, are subject to rigorous health checks that include screening for HIV. The virus cannot be transmitted by mosquito bites or by any other insects. [ There is no risk of HIV transmission during normal daily activities Preventing the transmission of HIV It is important to bear in mind that it is dangerous practices that allow HIV to be transmitted. Anyone can get infected. Dangerous practices are personal behaviour that can be modified. Changing this behaviour or taking preventive measures explained below are efficient methods for avoiding infection with HIV. Prevention depends on you. 1. Preventing sexually transmitted HIV Very often, you do not know whether someone is infected or not. That is the reason why you must use a condom (male or female) properly every time you have sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with people infected with HIV, or with those you cannot be certain are not infected. If both of partners are HIV carriers, they must practice safe sex in order to avoid reinfection. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CORRECT USE OF THE MALE CONDOM Use condoms complying with current regulations and within the expiry date. Store condoms in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Take care not to damage the condom. Put the condom on when the penis is erect and keep it on throughout the intercourse. When withdrawing, hold it at the base of the penis while the penis is still erect. If additional lubrication is used, use only water-based lubricants. Do not use Vaseline, body lotions etc… that could damage the condom. Use a new condom every time intercourse takes place, even if there has been no penetration. [ A condom is the most efficient method of avoiding sexually transmitted HIV and other infectious diseases, while also preventing unwanted pregnancies 2. Prevention of transmission through blood The best thing would be to stop taking drugs or, at least, stop taking intravenous drugs. Change them for drugs that are smoked, inhaled or sniffed, or for oral methadone. If intravenous drugs are still used, always use sterile instruments and do not share syringes, needles or other items used in preparing drugs before injecting. Do not use a dirty needle or syringe, even if it belongs to someone you know and who is apparently healthy. You must remember that HIV infection may not become apparent for years. Neither should you re-use your own needles, etc. All instruments that might have come into contact with blood must be thrown away or disinfected after each use. This includes acupuncture, tattoo and earpiercing needles, dental instruments, razor blades, piercing instruments… 3. Preventing perinatal transmission Every pregnant woman, or one thinking of having a child, must go to the doctor as soon as possible in order to be tested for HIV/AIDS. Treatment is available which, if received early, greatly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus from the infected mother to the child. An infected mother cannot breast-feed her baby. A woman infected with HIV can choose to have a legal abortion. [ If you are pregnant or are thinking of having a baby, get tested for AIDS. You have nothing to lose and both you and your baby have everything to gain How is HIV infection detected? As with any other infectious agent, when the HIV enters the human body, it is recognized as foreign and triggers a response from the immune system, which tries to stem the infection. This produces HIV anti-bodies, which are detected by specific laboratory tests. Is it important to be tested for HIV/AIDS? Knowing whether you are infected with HIV or not is very important because, if you are, you can, at least, slow down the appearance of AIDS by following advice from medical staff. If you are not infected, you can eliminate a cause of worry. [ Currently, at least 25% of infected people do not know they are carrying HIV The therapeutic and preventive benefits of early diagnosis of HIV have been clearly proven. When HIV is detected early, not only are chances of survival and a better quality of life greater, but safer behaviour is adopted. Therefore, it is essential to be tested for HIV, voluntarily and confidentially, and with advice available. A person who wants to be tested will receive advice from the medical staff in order to understand the result of the test, whatever this might be, and to receive appropriate psychological support, if needed. This assistance will help the HIVpositive person to preserve a more positive attitude in the face of problems from HIV infection. It will help strengthen preventive measures so as not to infect others, and to take the precautions required to reduce risks as the infection develops. Who should be tested for HIV/AIDS? Anyone, man or woman, can be infected with HIV if they have ever been exposed to the infection through sex or blood. So it is advisable to be tested for HIV/AIDS if you find yourself in one of the following situations: >> Pregnant women or women wishing to have a baby. >> People who have had heterosexual intercourse without a condom with different partners, with prostitutes, with drug takers or with HIV-infected people. [ As there is no vaccination or cure, prevention is the only effective way of fighting HIV >> Men who have had homosexual intercourse without a condom, especially with different partners, with male prostitutes, with drug takers or men infected with HIV. >> People who have shared syringes or instruments for injecting drugs. >> People directly exposed to blood or contaminated body fluids, when contact is through broken skin (sores, eczema…). Useful addresses DIRECCIÓN XERAL DE SAÚDE PÚBLICA Servizo de Control de Enfermidades Transmisibles Edificio administrativo San Lázaro, s/n 15703 Santiago de Compostela 981 542 960 SUBDIRECCIÓN XERAL DE SAÚDE MENTAL E DROGODEPENDENCIAS Edificio administrativo San Lázaro, s/n 15703 Santiago de Compostela 981 541 860 FREE INFORMATION PHONE FOR HIV/AIDS Plan Nacional sobre a Sida 900 111 000 (das 10 ás 20 horas) [email protected] AIDS PREVENTION COMMITTEES COMITÉ CIUDADÁN ANTISIDA DA CORUÑA (CASCO) Rúa Padre Sarmiento, 24 bajo 15005 A Coruña 981 144 151 [email protected] COMITÉ ANTISIDA FERROLTERRA “LAZOS PRO-SOLIDARIEDADE” Rúa Fernando VI, 18 bajo 15403 Ferrol 981 350 777 COMITÉ ANTISIDA DE LUGO Parque Milagrosa, Avda. da Coruña, s/n Nave Asociacións, local 3 27003 Lugo 982 263 098 [email protected] COMITÉ CIDADÁN ANTISIDA DE OURENSE Praza do Trigo, 6 entresótano 32005 Ourense 988 233 000 [email protected] [email protected] COMITÉ CIDADÁN GALEGO ANTISIDA Rúa Betanzos, 35 bajo 15703 Santiago de Compostela 981 573 401 [email protected] COMITÉ CIDADÁN ANTIVIH AROUSÁN “CCANVIHAR” Rúa Padre Feixoó, 9-1º (Apdo. de correos 431) 36600 Vilagarcía de Arousa 986 508 901 [email protected] HOSPITAL UNITS FOLLOWING UP HIV/AIDS HOSPITAL JUAN CANALEJO Servizo de Medicina Interna As Xubias de Arriba, 84 15006 A Coruña 981 178 000 HOSPITAL CLÍNICO UNIVERSITARIO DE SANTIAGO Servizo de Medicina Interna Travesía da Choupana, s/n 15706 Santiago de Compostela 981 950 000 HOSPITAL ARQUITECTO MARCIDE Servizo de Medicina Interna Estrada San Pedro de Leixa, s/n 15045 Ferrol 981 334 000 COMPLEXO HOSPITALARIO XERAL-CALDE Servizo de Medicina Interna Rúa Doutor Severo Ochoa, s/n 27004 Lugo 982 296 000 COMPLEXO HOSPITALARIO DE OURENSE Servizo de Medicina Interna Rúa Ramón Puga, 54 32005 Ourense 988 385 500 HOSPITAL PROVINCIAL DE PONTEVEDRA Servizo de Medicina Interna Rúa Loureiro Crespo, 2 32002 Pontevedra 986 800 000 HOSPITAL XERAL-CÍES Servizo de Medicina Interna Rúa Pizarro, 22 36204 Vigo 986 816 000 HOSPITAL DO MEIXOEIRO Servizo Medicina Interna O Meixoeiro, s/n 36200 Vigo 986 811 111 HOSPITAL POVISA Servizo de Medicina Interna Rúa Salamanca, 5 36211 Vigo 986 413 144 OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES The following organisations in your area: Support Units for Drug Dependency (UAD) Family Support Units (COF) INTERNET ADDRESSES http://dxsp.sergas.es Dirección Xeral de Saúde Pública. Xunta de Galicia http://www.unaids.org United Nations Programme for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) http://www.msc.es Ministerio de Sanidade e Consumo http://www.cdc.gov Centres for Control and Prevention of Disease (CDC). HIV/AIDS http://www.usc.es/nutrivih Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Nutrición Consellería de Sanidade Dirección Xeral de Saúde Pública Difux, S.L. • Dep. Legal: C 3940-2007 Información divulgativa CONSELLERÍA DE SANIDADE Dirección Xeral de Saúde Pública