Hiv / Aids And Hepatitis C - 911 Words

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C: How It Relates to Substance Abuse Introduction Everyday people put themselves at risk of catching a virus, but when an individual is an abuser of substances the odds of catching an infection become much higher. There are instances one may experience and brush off as not serious for example, one may assume that catching a cold poses no substantial threat to any individual as it usually passes in a week. However, if the individual is immunocompromised due to being HIV positive, even the common cold suddenly becomes deadly. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), â€Å"more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with the HIV infection† (â€Å"HIV in the US,† 2015). In addition to the HIV virus, people who abuse substances are also at risk of contracting Hepatitis C (HCV). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are about 3.2 million people living with a chronic infection of Hepatitis C (â€Å"Office of Population affairs,† 2012). Though this does not apply to all who abuse substances, many engage in risky behaviors that make them more vulnerable of falling victim to such viruses. The misuse of drugs often impairs the functions/judgments of those using them, which ultimately lead to making poor decisions. These decisions can range anywhere from engaging in unprotected sex to exchanging used needles. Both HIV and HCV live in an infected person’s blood and bodily fluids and are thereforeShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Drug Abuse On The United States1479 Words   |  6 Pagesdrug abusing that are worrisome to the public. Fears such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) are just one of the few. Unlike many virus’s once a person has contracted HIV, they have it for life. HIV will attack T cells in the body which are used to fight off infections; over time HIV can destroy many of these cells leaving the body unable to fight off infections (AIDS, 2016). There is no cure for HIV/AIDS; therefore, once a person is infected with the virus only medication can be used to controlRead MoreUnderstanding Bloodborne Pathogens Essay897 Words   |  4 Pagessignificant bloodborne pathogens are HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Some of the other bloodborne pathogens include Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Syphilis. These are less significant and not as life threatening as the two listed above. Hepatitis B The Hepatitis B virus is a disease that affects the liver and results in swelling and loss of normal function in the liver. It is estimated that 350 million people are infected with Hepatitis B worldwide, with 50 million newRead MoreBenefits Of Using Needle Exchange Programs1529 Words   |  7 Pagescrucial. It’s important keeping drug dependent people free of HIV this prevents its spread to their partners and their children. In order to provide necessary care, free sterilized needles should be given to drug users. The public should be advised of positive effects of needle exchange programs and warned of the risks of not supplying adequate syringes. The provocative idea of giving drug addicts clean needles to help slow the spread of HIV/AIDS was first broached in 1985. This concept has been underRead MoreVaccine For Hiv Happen On The Horizon By 2030924 Words   |  4 PagesVaccine for HIV maybe on the horizon by 2030 HIV is Inevitable. It’s hard to believe that it has been 35 years since the first appearance of HIV in the US. It has claimed millions upon millions of people thus far. There is still a staggering number of people out there that are infected with this crippling disease. Everyone wants, wish, or even dream of a Cure, but a Vaccine could be a within reach in the near future. Through Money, Research and Development, we are sure to see a big changed in HIV by 2030Read MoreAnaemi An Iron Deficiency Disorder1213 Words   |  5 Pagesbe successful; this is then given over several hours through an IV which is placed in the arm. Many other diseases can cause anaemia such as kidney failure, crohns disease etc these all can interfere with the making of red blood cells. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is another disorder which affects red blood cells, it can be treated with a combination of various medications which will help stop the virus from spreading and multiplying inside the body, without these medications the virus can get worseRead MorePrevention Of Hcv Infection : Prevention1318 Words   |  6 Pagesrisk for illicit drug use or high-risk sexual practices. Counseling and testing to prevent HCV infection should be conducted in settings where persons at high risk are identified, including correctional health programs, and clinics that treat STDs, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse (10) (Box 7). The high prevalence of HCV infection and risk associated with HCV infection among inmates requires inclusion of HCV prevention activities in correctional settings. To be effective, risk reduction among this populationRead MoreEssay On The Increase Of Disease Among Drug Users1556 Words   |  7 PagesTechnical Arts School Abstract Another method used to reduce the spread of HIV among injecting drug users is through needle exchange programs (NEPs). In these programs, users can either exchange their used needles for an equal number of new, sterile needles or receive new ones without the requirement of an exchange. These programs also offered a variety of other services in addition to syringe exchange, including HIV/AIDS education and counseling, condom distribution, substance abuse, medical treatmentRead MoreThe Hiv Virus And Then Resources1318 Words   |  6 PagesTwo types of support for beloved ones 6. Appendix â€Æ' Introduction This report includes a brief introduction on the HIV virus and then resources that are available to the individuals that have been affected by HIV. It also includes measures that can enhance the quality of life of those affected and the effects this can have on the affected individual’s beloved ones. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus which attacks the immune system which weakens the sufferer’s ability to fight infectionsRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) Or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( Aids )1281 Words   |  6 PagesA major epidemic across the world is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Accredited with 10% of the HIV cases annually is injection drug use (AIDS.gov, 2014). A study done in 2010 showed that injection drug use affected nearly 47,500 new HIV infections in the United States. With 625 being males and 38% being female. Breaking it down even further, African Americans made up 50% of the newly affecting using injection drugs, Whites 26%, and Latinos/ HispanicsRead MoreEssay Blood Borne Pathogens and Disease Transmission986 Words   |  4 Pagesfluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious t ypes of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an