Palmer-Glaze 1 Chidarrell Palmer-Glaze Megan Keaton Eng 111-09 27 June 2013 HIV Preventative Solutions Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(HIV) is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV, once someone has it, they have it for life. I will be exploring the preventative solutions of HIV which will therefore assist in preventing the rapid growth in our communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Scientists believe that the chimpanzee version of the immunodeficiency virus (called simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV) most likely was transmitted to humans and mutated into HIV when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came into contact with their infected blood. Studies show that HIV may have jumped from apes to humans as far back as the late 1800s. Over decades, the virus slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. We know that the virus has existed in the United States since at least the mid-to late 1970s. ( "HIV Basics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 30 June 2013.) The CDC reports, About 50,000 people get infected with HIV each year. In 2010, there were around 47,500 new HIV infections in the United States. (Basic Statistics. CDC, n.d. Web. 30 June 2013). Comparatively, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports since 2011, worldwide, the United States has 1,300,000 people (adults and children) living with HIV. (Global Health Facts, KFF, 2011. Web. 30 June 2013).

Palmer-Glaze 2 Although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, treatment and preventative measures have been introduced to slow the rapid growth. According to the CDC, HIV is spread through body fluids such as blood, semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and breast milk. In the United States, HIV is most commonly passed from one person to another through unprotected anal or vaginal sex and through sharing needles or other drug equipment. In addition, a mother can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, during labor, through breastfeeding, or if by pre-chewing her babys food. The Mayo Clinic says, its best to combine at least three drugs from two different classes to avoid creating strains of HIV that are immune to single drugs. The Mayo Clinic also suggests, that one should begin treatment immediately if, You have severe symptoms Your CD4 count is under 500 Youre pregnant You have HIV-related kidney disease Youre being treated for hepatitis B( Some signs of severe symptoms could be fevers, chills, night sweats, or a sore throat. These signs can be experienced as early as 2 weeks after exposure to HIV. According to AIDS.gov, Get tested and know your partners status: Knowing your own status is important for both your health and the health of your partner. Talking about your HIV status can be difficult or uncomfortable but its important to start the discussion BEFORE you have sex. Use condoms consistently and correctly. To reduce your risk of getting HIV or other STIs, you must use a new condom with every act of anal, oral, or vaginal sex. You also have to use condoms correctly, to keep them from slipping off or breaking. Be

Palmer-Glaze 3 monogamous. Being monogamous means: 1) You are in a sexual relation with only one person and 2) Both of you are having sex only with each other. Having only one sex partner reduces you risk of getting HIV but monogamy wont protect you completely unless you know for sure that both you and your partner are not infected with HIV. These are all measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of someone becoming infected with the disease. More than enough families know the detrimental state of mind this can cause, leaving loved ones to have to care for someone during a time as such, is difficult. Become abstinent, or monogamous, if that is an issue that will be challenging then use condoms. Different things work for different people, find out what works for you and use it, but by all means use something. There are many local HIV/STD testing sites here in Mecklenburg County. Make an appointment or walk-in any local clinic. Testing is always free and confidential. Other preventative solutions have been put in place by organizations that are geared toward spreading the word. Several agencies within the local community can assist in advising your partner about their exposure as well. AIDS.gov reported that the White House revealed on July 13, 2010 the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). The goals for the NHAS will be to, reduce new HIV infections by 25% annually, increase access to care and reduce HIV related health disparities. All of which will be achieved by 2015.

Palmer-Glaze 4 Works Cited (HIV Basics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 30 June 2013.) (Global Health Facts, Kaiser Family Foundation, 2011. Web. 30 June 2013) (Treatments and drugs, Mayo Clinic Staff, 11 Aug. 2012. Web. 30 June 2013) (Aids.gov. Overview. n.d. Web. 30 June 2013)