The Face Of The Hiv Epidemic Essay - 1498 Words

The face of the HIV epidemic has changed. People ages 50 and older now represent the fastest growing segment of HIV positive adults in the United States (Sankar et al, 2011). A workshop on HIV Infection and Aging estimated that by 2015, adults aged 50 and older will make up approximately 50% of all HIV/AIDS in the U.S. (Effros et al, 2008). Factors, including decreased efficiency of the immune system and decreased likelihood that older adults have been tested for HIV, increase the vulnerability of older adults to HIV transmission (Hillman Broderick, 2002; Solomon, 1996). Older adults with HIV diagnosed later in life deal with a different mix of social isolation than their younger peers. The added stigmas of aging and contracting HIV through sexual activity keeps many older adults from admitting to their status or talking about their behavior openly (Cahill Valadez, 2013). As the aging population tends to be viewed as asexual, doctors rarely assess for HIV risk factors let alone screen for the infection (Oyieng’o Bradley, 2010). Symptoms of the infection are also mistaken for other serious diseases commonly found in elderly persons (Oyieng’o Bradley, 2010). HIV also increases the speed of aging on the body, weakening the immune system (Zhao et al, 2011). Infectious diseases have the potential to spread exponentially, and practitioners should remember that even if only one case of HIV is prevented, an intervention can translate into the prevention of many more casesShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Hiv On A Healthy Lifestyle1553 Words   |  7 Pagesindividuals who have contracted HIV, there are certain steps a person can take to live a healthy lifestyle. Most people assume that after a person has contracted HIV, then it is over and there is nothing that person can do. It is true that the HIV virus does not have a cure, but it does not mean that people have to let the virus consume them by thinking there is nothing they can do. If the individual found out early the HIV virus was in their body, they can go to a HIV medical care and receive â€Å"antiretroviral†Read MoreHiv Prevention Among The Usa1285 Words   |  6 PagesHIV Prevention amongst Minorities in the USA PROBLEM Human immunodeficiency virus better known as HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The virus specifically attacks the CD4 cells (T cells), which helps the immune system fight off infections. Overtime, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that body can’t fight off infections and diseases. HIV cannot be cured but it can be controlled with proper treatment and medical care (â€Å"What is HIV/AIDS?†). According to the Center for DiseaseRead MoreHiv / Aids : Growing Epidemic Among African Americans1607 Words   |  7 PagesHIV/AIDS the growing epidemic among African Americans April Hampton Excelsior College ILSE SILVA-KROTT October 11, 2015 Abstract In my studies I have found that HIV/AIDS is one of the largest growing epidemics among African American’s. Along with the stigmas individuals have to face, there lay the unspoken thought process of â€Å"It wouldn’t or couldn’t happen to me†. Poverty, severe drug abuse, unprotected sex, and lack of education are just a few contributing factors toRead MoreHiv / Aids : A Huge Complication Around The World1562 Words   |  7 PagesHIV/AIDS in Russia versus South Africa HIV/AIDS is becoming a huge complication around the world. More and more countries that are not commonly known to have an issue with AIDS/HIV are developing epidemics. 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In this book, Nolen seamlessly integrates personal stories of the victims with shocking statistics and engrossing quotes, effortlessly bring a ‘human face’ to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is a great piece of work demanding both empathy and immediate action. The issuesRead MoreSpread Of Hiv / Aids1574 Words   |  7 PagesThe Spread of HIV/AIDs in Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa has been singled out as having the most serious HIV epidemic in the world. There is need to curb the spread of HIV in the continent by leveraging the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the factors responsible for the spread of the disease. This paper attempts to investigate the risk factors involved in the spread of HIV and how to reduce HIV prevalence regardless of these risks factors. The paper then goes a step further andRead MoreHiv / Aids : Hiv And Aids1484 Words   |  6 Pagescountry have arisen. One current issue South Africa is currently facing is HIV/AIDS. The disease has been plaguing South Africa as well as other countries throughout the continent. The initialism HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This disease attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells of the immune system. Loss of these cells makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and advance to AIDS. Human immunodeficiencyRead MoreDva 15011489 Words   |  6 Pages1501 Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population. AIDS has caused immense human suffering in the continent. The most obvious effect of this crisis has been illness and death, but the impact of the epidemic has certainly not been confined to the health sector; households, schools, workplaces and economies have also been badly affected. As the HIV prevalence of a country rises, the strain placed