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Block 3 Unit 1 HIV/AIDS Counselling

1. What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that impairs the human immune system. HIV belongs to the family of viruses called retroviruses.

2. Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.

HIV is the virus itself that attacks the immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection where the immune system is weakened to the point that it is unable to defend the body from opportunistic infections. AIDS typically manifests about 7-10 years after the initial HIV infection.

3. How can a baby be affected by HIV?

HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. It can also be transmitted through breast milk.

4. What is a window period?

The window period is the time between when a person becomes infected with HIV and when antibodies to HIV can be detected in the blood. This period can range from 2 weeks to 6 months. During this period, a person can still transmit the virus even though a test might not detect antibodies. A negative test at three months will almost always mean a person is not infected with HIV. If an individual’s test is still negative at six months, and they have not been at risk of HIV infection in the meantime, it means they are not infected with HIV.

5. Describe the diagnostic tests for HIV/AIDS.

HIV tests involve detecting antibodies to the virus or the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of HIV in a blood or other sample. The tests include:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): This test is usually the first one used to detect infection with HIV. If antibodies to HIV are present (positive), the test is usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis.
• Western blot: This test is more difficult to perform than the ELISA, but it is used to confirm the results of two positive ELISA tests.

6. Mention the various misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.

• Myth: You can get HIV from hugging someone. Fact: HIV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food.
• Myth: Mosquitoes can spread HIV. Fact: HIV is not spread by insects.
• Myth: Sex is safe when both partners have HIV. Fact: Using a condom or other latex barrier can help protect against other sexually transmitted diseases and other strains of HIV.
• Myth: You cannot have a baby if you are HIV-positive. Fact: With proper medical care and medication, pregnant women with HIV can lower the risk of passing the virus to their babies.

7. How will you provide counselling to a HIV affected person?

Counselling for a person affected by HIV needs to be done with sensitivity, empathy, and objectivity. It is vital to make a good rapport which will help in breaking the news of HIV in a positive manner. The counselor should:

• Discuss and remove misunderstandings about HIV transmission.
• Help the person develop a strong self-image to cope with life's hardships without resorting to faulty methods of finding happiness or depression.
• Provide counselling to prevent further deterioration or onset of full-blown AIDS, encouraging the patient to remain healthy and live longer.
• Offer support for a changed lifestyle.
• Offer both pre-test and post-test counselling.
• Provide information about medical and counselling follow-up.

8. Explain the different psychological responses to a HIV positive test result.

Psychological responses to a positive HIV test result may include:

• Shock: This can include recognition of mortality and loss of hope for the future.
• Guilt: This can occur if the individual interprets the HIV diagnosis as a punishment or experiences anxiety about infecting a partner or family member.

9. Discuss the importance of counselling patients and partners together.

Counselling patients and their partners together can be important for several reasons:

• Adjustments to sexual behaviour and other lifestyle issues can be discussed and explained clearly to both.
• If one partner is HIV-negative, emotional and sexual consequences in the relationship can be addressed.
• Misconceptions about HIV transmission can be clarified, and safe sex information provided.
• Psychological responses to the diagnosis can be discussed, and partners can be supported.
• Specific issues can be addressed for couples with children or who are hoping to have them, or if the woman is pregnant.

10. Describe the different modes of transmission of HIV.

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Sexual contact: Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
• Blood exposure: Sharing needles or syringes, blood transfusions, needle-stick injuries, and other medical procedures.
• Mother-to-child transmission: During pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
• Other bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and amniotic fluid can also transmit HIV.
• HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, insects, saliva, or sweat.

11. What are the different signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

Many people with HIV are asymptomatic for eight to ten years, though the body responds with antibodies within 3-10 weeks of infection. HIV can progress to AIDS, with a wide range of symptoms including:

• Major symptoms: Weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and fever for more than a month.
• Minor symptoms: Persistent cough, generalised itchy dermatitis, recurrent herpes zoster, oral thrush, and generalised lymphadenopathy.
• Other conditions associated with AIDS include cryptococcal meningitis, neuro toxoplasmosis, CMV retinitis, pencillium marneffei, and recurrent herpes zoster infection.

12. Explain the myths and facts related to HIV/AIDS.

Myths and facts include:

• Myth: You can get HIV from hugging. Fact: HIV is not spread by casual contact.
• Myth: Mosquitoes can spread HIV. Fact: HIV is not spread by insects.
• Myth: Sex is safe when both partners have HIV. Fact: Using condoms can protect against other STDs and different HIV strains.
• Myth: You cannot have a baby if you are HIV-positive. Fact: With proper care and medication, the risk can be lowered.

13. Discuss the role of counselling in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Counselling plays a vital role in preventing HIV transmission by:

• Enabling frank discussions of sensitive aspects of a patient’s life.
• Helping people understand their risk factors.
• Providing information about transmission, safe sex practices, and risk reduction.
• Addressing misconceptions.
• Promoting behaviour changes.
• Providing pre-test and post-test support.
• Providing ongoing support.

14. Discuss the various ways in which an awareness programme can be developed.

Awareness programs can be developed by using various means such as:

• Writing and publications.
• Role plays.
• Films, talks, and lectures.
• Campaigns.
• Other educative programs. This comprehensive response should cover all the self-assessment and unit-end questions from Block 3, Unit 1, using only the provided sources.