HIV/AIDS: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 So let's wrap up this video series.

00:03 HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that attacks the body's immune system by destroying CD4 T-cells and replicating itself from within these cells.

00:15 AIDS is a set of symptoms and illnesses that develop as a result of advanced HIV infection.

00:21 So our goal is nobody has to get to AIDS.

00:24 That's what our goal is if we can because an AIDS is a definite sign that immune system is at about destroyed.

00:32 The person CD4 T-cell count is very low less than 200.

00:36 Remember the minimum is 500 and the person suffering from an opportunistic infection.

00:42 So the difference between HIV and AIDS is a CD4 T-cell count less than 200 and the presence of an opportunistic infection.

00:53 Now antiretroviral treatment can reduce the level of HIV in the body.

00:57 That is the best takeaway point.

00:59 You can get it down to such such low levels that blood tests can detect it and that way no the patient is not going to pass it on People living with HIV whose viral load is confirmed as undetectable will not pass on HIV, as long as they continue with their effective treatment plan.

01:18 Thank you for watching our video today.