Infectious Diseases - HIV & Sepsis

Question 1

What is HIV?

Answer 1

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Spread by sexual contact, infected blood,
shared needle use and mother to child spread,
this is potentially life threatening infection

In HIV, CD4 and CD8 T cells, involved in combating infection, are reduced and increased respectively. CD4 count is a key immune function indicator in individuals who live with HIV.

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of HIV?

Answer 2

Signs and symptoms:
* Flu-like illness (fever, malaise, rash, sore
throat, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss,
night sweats) 2-4 weeks after initial exposure
* In between HIV infection and development
of AIDS possible shingles, oral thrush and pneumonia may develop
* Once progressed to AIDS, opportunistic infection becomes severe

Question 3

What is Sepsis?

Answer 3

Progression of an existing infection to tissue damage, this is a life threatening condition which requires antibiotics and IV fluids to improve chances of survival.

Signs and symptoms:
* Existing infection and change in mental status
* Systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 100
* Respiratory rate higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute