Course Description

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a life-threatening condition caused by a virus known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The virus cripples the immune system, the body’s natural defense against disease. By destroying cells, HIV interferes with the ability to fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The term AIDS refers to the later stages of HIV infection.

There is no cure and no vaccine at this time for HIV/AIDS. The best defense is preventive education.  It is important to understand how the disease spreads and how to protect yourself and others.

You will not get AIDS from casual contact. The disease is transmitted when contaminated (infected) fluid enters the bloodstream.  Of these fluids, blood is the most common concern for healthcare workers.

Summary

Protect you, residents, visitors, and co-workers from infection by using precautions.  The best defense is “understanding” how infection spreads and using preventive measures.  Thorough hand washing is the single most important preventive measure for infection control. Other important measures include clean surroundings, personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation precautions.  Always protect residents from infection, provide quality care, and treat all body fluids and needles as potentially infectious.

Course Objectives:
Demonstrate knowledge of the human immune system, HIV infection process and the differences between HIV and AIDS.
Understand how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy impacts HIV prevention.
Understand current HIV testing technologies and procedures.
Understand high-risk behavior and harm reduction.
Identify several AIDS defining opportunistic diseases and conditions.
Identify several HIV and AIDS related treatments and medications.
Discuss current legal and ethical issues related to HIV and AIDS.
Discuss modes of HIV transmission and methods of prevention.
Identify basic concepts of HIV prevention counseling, testing, and linkage
Describe the connection of sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV.
Describe the roles of the HIV prevention and testing counselor.
Measure the testing counselor’s comfort level when providing HIV counseling and information to clients and patients.