HIV is a generally sexually transmitted disease that attacks the body’s immune system. A relatively new disease, HIV, was first detected in the United States in the 1980s and has since spread worldwide. In the United States, over a million individuals are thought to have HIV, and roughly, 14% are not aware of their condition (“U.S. statistics,” 2020). HIV currently affects the African continent the most but is discovered worldwide. In 2019, the WHO estimated there were approximately 38 million cases of HIV (“HIV/AIDS”, n.d.). Therefore, it is essential to learn more about the disease, including contributing factors, preventive measures, signs, diagnostics, management strategies, and follow-up care.
HIV is difficult to detect as its symptoms only manifest later in the disease’s lifespan. This makes yearly infection rates challenging to track, as individuals who test positive for HIV may have contracted it years before the test (“U.S. statistics,” 2020). As HIV is often sexually transmitted, infected individuals may continue to pass the disease to new partners without knowing. Additionally, HIV can be passed through needles, specifically causing outbreaks among drug-using individuals if they share syringes.
Due to the difficulty in tracing HIV-positive individuals, frequent testing is necessary to allow early treatment. The United States Department of Health suggests that those in the risk group of HIV, primarily sexually active men, should test every three to six months (“U.S. statistics,” 2020). Rapid detection and treatment are crucial to limit the spread of HIV and limit the patient’s effects.
As HIV attacks the immune system, symptoms only appear later after infection and may differ among individuals. This is why the United States Department of Health recommends testing as the only way of determining if a person is HIV-positive (“U.S. statistics,” 2020). If a person is in the risk group for HIV and experiences fever, chills, and other symptoms similar to a virus or flu, they should also be tested for HIV.
HIV is almost exclusively detected through diagnostic tests. As the frequency and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person, testing is the only clear way to detect HIV. Examinations are the primary prevention strategy to limit HIV spread as they allow infected individuals to begin containing and treating the virus. Testing and treatment are both commonly available in the United States.
Advanced practice nurses play an important role in HIV treatment and care. One of the primary functions includes information sharing and preparing to inform people living with HIV (PLWH) about the disease and treatment (Rouleau et al., 2019). Moreover, antiretroviral therapy (ART) management is a center qualification for advanced nursing practice with HIV patients, based on the most reliable care guidelines (Rouleau et al., 2019). ART adherence is regarded to be a problematic health practice for many patients.
Nurses tend to rely on various information sources to maintain their work with PLWH, including biomedical and pharmacological management practices. Such training enables nurses to prepare PLWH effectively, leading to positive patient outcomes (Rouleau et al., 2019). Medication-taking has to be supported by a wide variety of other health and social needs, including biological and physiological requirements.
HIV cannot be permanently cured; therefore, patients are required to go through continuous ART treatment. Doctors and advanced practice nurses should control this part of the therapy. Follow-up care could incorporate routine physical tests and medical examinations. ART management practice consists of three essential steps: initiation, support, and follow-up (Rouleau et al., 2019). Overall, nurses assist patients in getting a suitable follow-up, such as finding support organizations and primary medical care.
To conclude, HIV is usually transmitted through intercourse and later has adverse effects on the body’s immune system. HIV is hard to identify because patients can be asymptomatic at first. Due to the challenging tracing process, regular testing is required to provide timely treatment. Advanced practice nurses are particularly crucial in treating HIV patients. Furthermore, ART management is applied in advanced nursing practice as it is considered the most reputable therapy solution. Lastly, the ART includes follow-up treatment, which mostly comprises constant medical examinations and psychological support.
References
HIV/AIDS. (n.d.). World Health Organization. Web.
Rouleau, G., Richard, L., Côté, J., Gagnon, M. P., & Pelletier, J. (2019). Nursing practice to support people living with HIV with antiretroviral therapy adherence: A qualitative study.The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care: JANAC, 30(4), e20–e37. Web.
U.S. statistics. (2020). HIV.gov. Web.