HIV AND AIDS
Comprehensive Notes for Social Work and Community Development
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1. Introduction to HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS remain a major global public health and social development challenge.
Beyond health, HIV and AIDS affect families, communities, economic productivity,
and social systems. Social workers play a critical role in prevention, care,
support, advocacy, and policy implementation.
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2. Definition of Key Terms
Human: Relating to people.
Immune System: The body’s defense mechanism against infections and diseases.
Virus: A microscopic infectious agent that can only multiply inside living cells.
Syndrome: A group of signs and symptoms that occur together.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A virus that attacks and weakens the immune
system, especially CD4 cells.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The advanced stage of HIV infection
characterized by severe immune damage and opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic Infections: Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe
in people with weakened immune systems.
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3. Difference Between HIV and AIDS
HIV AIDS
Virus Condition/syndrome
Weakens immune system Immune system severely damaged
Person may look healthy Person becomes seriously ill
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4. Origin and Causes of HIV
HIV is believed to have originated from primates (chimpanzees) and transmitted to
humans through contact with infected blood.
HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.
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5. Types and Strains of HIV
HIV-1: Most common worldwide; highly infectious.
HIV-2: Less common; mainly in West Africa; progresses more slowly.
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6. Modes of Transmission of HIV
Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
Sharing needles, syringes, or sharp objects
Transfusion of infected blood
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
Occupational exposure (needle-stick injuries)
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7. Modes NOT Transmitting HIV
Handshakes or hugging
Sharing food or utensils
Mosquito or insect bites
Coughing or sneezing
Sharing toilets or bathrooms
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8. Signs and Symptoms of HIV and AIDS
a) Early Stage
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rash
Comprehensive Notes for Social Work and Community Development
---
1. Introduction to HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS remain a major global public health and social development challenge.
Beyond health, HIV and AIDS affect families, communities, economic productivity,
and social systems. Social workers play a critical role in prevention, care,
support, advocacy, and policy implementation.
---
2. Definition of Key Terms
Human: Relating to people.
Immune System: The body’s defense mechanism against infections and diseases.
Virus: A microscopic infectious agent that can only multiply inside living cells.
Syndrome: A group of signs and symptoms that occur together.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A virus that attacks and weakens the immune
system, especially CD4 cells.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The advanced stage of HIV infection
characterized by severe immune damage and opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic Infections: Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe
in people with weakened immune systems.
---
3. Difference Between HIV and AIDS
HIV AIDS
Virus Condition/syndrome
Weakens immune system Immune system severely damaged
Person may look healthy Person becomes seriously ill
---
4. Origin and Causes of HIV
HIV is believed to have originated from primates (chimpanzees) and transmitted to
humans through contact with infected blood.
HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.
, ---
5. Types and Strains of HIV
HIV-1: Most common worldwide; highly infectious.
HIV-2: Less common; mainly in West Africa; progresses more slowly.
---
6. Modes of Transmission of HIV
Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
Sharing needles, syringes, or sharp objects
Transfusion of infected blood
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
Occupational exposure (needle-stick injuries)
---
7. Modes NOT Transmitting HIV
Handshakes or hugging
Sharing food or utensils
Mosquito or insect bites
Coughing or sneezing
Sharing toilets or bathrooms
---
8. Signs and Symptoms of HIV and AIDS
a) Early Stage
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rash
