Farewell to All:)

This is the last blog!! Wow.. I can't believe this class is almost over! I can say that I have learned a lot. I never imagined the amount of information I would process in one semester. I give my thanks for those who stopped by to comment. I appreciate your interest. This topic has become embedded deep in my heart. I will carry the words of the men who spoke in the panel forever! They truly are an inspiration. Everything they have gone through and they still remain hopeful. They are truly heros!

I want to say that without all of this coursework, many of us might have not take this class so seriously. This course is perfect! It should remain the same. It is a way for the professors to make sure that they release their students with enough information that will lead us to make good decisions in the future. It is there passion lets make it ours!

Someone in the panel talked about HIV/AIDS bracelets and this website has really pretty ones! I do think that people need to support this cause no matter what. Right now, I am feeling so passionate I wish I could go and shake people and make them listen and understand. It gets frustating actually.

These are gorgeous! So everyone lets take this class to heart and end your course with a bracelet! This is a great reminder about the importance of HIV/AIDS.

Week of November 16, 2009

Hello Everyone!!

I am excited to attend the panel today! I wasn't able to go to the women's, since I had to take my father to a doctors appointment. I am excited. I really don't know what to expect, but I do know that it will be emotional and surprising. This week I was looking to finish the blog log. I know I needed to log everything down. I did. But I can't find it! I went through each blog and found when I responded! I am still missing some dates and to who I blogged! I know this is horrible! I am disappointed in myself. I just hope I can figure it out. I ended up getting a bit of a migrane.

I am still thinking about the M&M module. How many of you found it amazing? I did. I didn't expect to be so emotional about it! I guess everyday is filled with a surprise. This week I will finish up the paper for the Philadelphia paper. I will also catch up on finding my blogs!!

Since I am a woman, I am always looking for facts on how HIV affects US. I found this quiz online. See how much you know?
HIV and Women Quiz - Viral Diseases

I suggest you read the interesting facts, I did pretty good (missed a couple). Here is the link to many of the interesting facts : http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/HIV-and-Women-187490.html

This semester is going by fast. I honestly can say that this semester I have not only tried to pass my classes. I have learned lots. And the stuff I have learned is from this class! It has been educational and interesting!

DYK: Many of you live in Florida or close by and for those who don't I will share a great organization that I found right here! It is located in Pensacola. It is called Appetite for Life. They provide food for HIV/AIDS patients. "Our mission is to provide nutritious, high quality meals at no charge to persons infected with or affected by HIV/ AIDS or other terminal illnesses and who are physician or case manager referred. This is accomplished through one of our three programs: Home Delivered Meals Program (HDMP), Food Pantry Program (FPP), and Ensure Nutritional Supplement Program (ENSP). We do not receive any government funding; our programs are funded by private foundations, individuals, and earned income" (Appetite for Life, 2008).

Just by reading this, I tear up. It is so wonderful to see ordinary people help one another. There are still people that care. It is not necessary to be rich or have access to thousand or millions all YOU need is a good heart and great intentions. These people are wonderful!

http://www.appetite4life.org/index.html (check it out)

HIV/AIDS BLOG Week 11/9

Hello Everyone!
Well this may sound strange, but I decided to research HIV/AIDS in Japan for this week. Why strange? Well, I had a dream I was in Japan. This is why it made me think about it so much.
I really love the course CD modules. They are very informative. I told my brother about the CD and he wants it! I told him he is going to have to wait until I am done with the class. I don't want to give it away to him and then not have it! Call me a worry wort! But I like to keep my CDs in my possession.

I will start with some good facts about Japan that will really open your eyes to how HIV/AIDS is affecting nations all around the world

DYK:

"The number of new HIV cases and AIDS diagnoses in Japan hit a high of 1,545 in 2008" (The Japan Times, 2009).

"According to the health ministry, 1,113 people were found to be infected with the HIV virus that can lead to AIDS, and 432 others were diagnosed with AIDS" (The Japan TImes, 2009).

"This is the sixth consecutive year that a record number of new HIV cases has been reported, and the third straight year that a record number of AIDS diagnoses has been made" (The Japan Times, 2009).

Of the new HIV/AIDS cases, 964 people were infected through homosexual sex; 365 through heterosexual sex; and 10 by shared syringes. People in their 30s composed the largest number of new HIV/AIDS cases at 559, or 36 percent, followed by those in their 20s (377) and 50s (283). Males made up 1,442 of the cases.

"Although Japan still has one of the world's lowest ratios of reported HIV cases, this is no reason for people to lower their guard" (The Japan Times, 2009).

I thought that this last statement was surprising. Japan still has one of the lowest ratios of HIV cases?? So, just imagine everywhere else around the world. This means that EVERYONE should take an active role in making sure HIV/AIDS awareness is ACTIVE.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20090309a2.html

Blog 9

This week I saw the movie Philadelphia. Let me just say it is an exciting movie. I will not give it away for those who plan to see it, but this movie just reinforced some of the issues and thoughts I have had since taking this class. Lets just add that Tom Hanks and Denzel were AMAZING!!

This week I decided to research Armenia. This is a country not many people think about, but I decided to look for an overlooked country.

DYI: These are a couple of facts that pertain to Armenia

HIV/AIDS incidence remains low, but there is little awareness of prevention strategies, especially among vulnerable and high-risk youth.

Estimated adult HIV prevalence rate (aged 15–49), 2007
0.1

Estimated number of people (all ages) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands), estimate
2.4

Estimated number of people (all ages) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands), low estimate
1.8

Estimated number of people (all ages) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands), high estimate
3.5

Mother-to-child transmission, Estimated number of women (aged 15+) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands)
<1.0

Paediatric infections, Estimated number of children (aged 0–14) living with HIV, 2007 (thousands)
-

Prevention among young people, HIV prevalence among young people (aged 15–24), 2007, male
0.2

Prevention among young people, HIV prevalence among young people (aged 15–24), 2007, female
0.1

Prevention among young people, % who have comprehensive knowledge of HIV, 2002–2007*, male
15

Prevention among young people, % who have comprehensive knowledge of HIV, 2002–2007*, female
23

Prevention among young people, % who used condom at last higher-risk sex, 2002–2007*, male
86

Apparently, Armenia has managed to remain low statistics when it comes to HIV/ AIDS. Why do you think this is?
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/armenia_statistics.html#55

Blog 8 HIV/AIDS

This week I feel a little bit energized, since I had a week off from turning anything in. I am really enjoying this class, because every assignment is very informative and helps me understand this disease. I never thought this course could be so intensive. I am glad I took it though!

I rented the movie "Philadelphia". No I have not watched it, because my son misplaced it! Ugh. I plan to watch it soon. I am excited that this week the assignment due is a bit different. We actually have a quiz. I have been reading the modules and like always they are extremely informative. I love it. I love the way the details help me understand HIV/AIDS.

So this week, I am learning about all the misconceptions attached to HIV. While reading the slides, I came across to a big issue that people still think this is a form of punishement.

"Many people believe that this virus is God's punishment for a particular lifestyle" (Douglass,slide 3).

I thought this is such a lie!!! This is a way to make people believe that they are not a child of God. This makes me remember the statment Bono made. He said that God did not judge and for us no to judge those who are his children. This is a powerful statement. For those who believe in a higher power I urge you to remember that everyone of us is part of creation. We should not discriminate!

DYK: In the news, Russian has been talking about having a new strategy against HIV/AIDS. There is one statement that struck me the most and it was how Russian wants to start treating addicts. "AIDS specialists meeting here say Russia should use methadone treatment and other so-called harm reduction strategies, saying HIV may be moving from addicts, sex workers and gay men into the general population" (Associated Press, 2009). This basically ensures that drug transmission is reduced. When I say drug transmission I basically think that a large portion of the sex workers are drug users. This ensures that these sex workers are treated for their addiction and helps them start to get on their feet and reduce prostitution.

"UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe said methadone has proven effective elsewhere and that, despite progress, Russia was in the midst of a surge in heterosexual transmission that could break out into the larger population" (Associated Press, 2009).

I think Russian has jumped on the bandwagon a bit late. I think that this is a very good idea, because it controls a way of transmission.

Blog # 7 HIV a Human Concern

This week I wanted to begin by just informing you all how much I have learned from this class. I always thought that having HIV/AIDS was extremely horrible and that one would die immediately. After taking this class, I must admitt I have become a different women. I am much more educated. I think that sometimes when someone is against a certain topic it means that that someone lacks the proper education in that topic. And I am getting there!!!!! I have getting properly educated.

I can't believe that this is a week without papers due. I am looking into starting the M&M Journal. This is going to be hard, because I'm on a diet (Giggles).

I was looking into "How NOT disclosing your HIV status could be a CRIMINAL ACT"

Should a person go to jail for not giving out their status? Shouldn't it be (your) job to have your potential partner tested? I think there is a fine line here. I think that a person should always know the potential risk of contracting HIV through their partner.

"Obviously, intentionally choosing not to disclose HIV infection to sexual partners puts the partner in harms way" (About AIDS, 2009). Many supports are refering to not disclosing status as if someone was placing a gun to your head.

"Without disclosure, more and more people will be infected with HIV, meaning the public health has been jeopardized by the failure to disclose" (About AIDS, 2009).


"Those opposing criminalizing HIV transmission offer several reasons for why they feel it is a bad idea. In their opinion, laws that criminalize HIV" (About AIDS, 2009).:
•do nothing to reduce the rate of HIV infection
•undermine prevention efforts by deterring people from being tested
•add to the fear and stigma that follow HIV positive people
•punish even under circumstances that are not blameworthy
•are often applied unfairly and inconsistently

What do you think should it be criminalized?

I wanted to write some Transmission Statistics

DYK: That the rate for infection in the US is at a steady rate. Isn't this horrible.

•Male-to-male sexual contact (MSM) - 22,472
•Injection drug use (IVDU) - 4,939
•MSM / IVDU - 1,260
•Heterosexual contact - 13,627
•Other risks / risk not identified - 35,180

Shouldn't transmission go down??? and not up??? What do you think??

Blog # 6 The Journey Continues...

I wanted to start of this weeks blog with some interesting facts. I think sometimes when we are aware of the different facts and real life statistics then it might give us a wake up call.
I found these facts and were published as of 2004, I am sure there are many updated ones out there, but I found these interesting.

DYK:

AIDS was the leading cause of death among black women aged 25 to 34 years old; the third leading cause of death among black women 35 to 44 years old; the fourth leading cause of death among black women 45 to 54 years old.

I was alarmed by the stats for Hispanic women Check it out!

AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic women 35 to 44 years old.

A little more recent information as of 2005:

Approximately 9700 women were diagnosed with HIV
80 percent were from heterosexual transmission

This is more people than what were in my hometown growing up! These numbers are breathtaking.

•Of the 422,000 people living with AIDS in the US, 23 percent were women.
Center for Disease Control; "HIV/AIDS Among Women"; 1 Jun 2007.


As the days go by, it seems that I never really knew anything about HIV/AIDs. I find it sad. I am so glad I signed up for this class. I believe it has taught me so many aspects of this disease I never knew.

This week I wanted to concentrate on Canada

I went ahead and searched to find some statistics about this Country

In 2007: There were 190 male adults diagnosed with AIDS and 45 women diagnosed. A total of 235 of all ages
From the year 1997-2007, There has been a total of 20,746 AIDS diagnoses of all ages.

In 2007: There were 1,782 males diagnosed with HIV and about 592 females. This brings a total of ages of 2,375 with HIV. From the years 1997-2007, There has been a total of 59,372 people diagnosed with HIV!

http://www.avert.org/canada-aids.htm

Blog # 5: A Strong Sense of Connection

Hi everyone! Everyday that passes by, I feel a stronger passion for HIV/AIDS. It is so easy to go through life not caring of a disease that "you might think you won't get". But that is not the case. As all of you must know already HIV/AIDS can affect anyone. As the days go by in class, the assignments seem to touch me in a deeper way. I can start making an emotional connection with the individuals who suffer from the virus. I just saw the movie Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt. Let me tell you this was an inspiring documentary. I can see why it is an Oscar winning movie. It makes the viewer (ME) realize that HIV/AIDS has a face. A brother, son, father, mother, sister, daughter, and many others. It makes you take notice that these were people who were that somebody to someone. I won't give details. If your intrigued watch it NOW!

This week after watch the movie I decided to research a bit about Hemophilia in children. During the outbreak of HIV/AIDS almost all hemophiliacs contracted the virus.This is scary! What do I mean by scary? hmmm the fact that these children are born with a need, but can have the chance to get more than they ever needed.

Hemophilia
What is Hemophilia?

The human blood in all of us has proteins that are known as the clotting factors. These clotting factors help stop bleeding and allow the blood vessel to heal."The last step in the clotting process (also called coagulation) is the creation of a "net" that closes the torn blood vessel and stops the bleeding" (Griffin, 2007). This part of the process involves clotting factors VIII and IX (Griffin, 2007). People with this disease lack on of the clotting factors, which makes their blood not able to clot properly.

"Hemophilia A, also known as factor VIII deficiency, is the cause of about 80% of cases. Hemophilia B, which makes up the majority of the remaining 20% of cases, is a deficiency of factor IX"(Griffin, 2007).

Patients can have a mild, moderate, or severe case of Hemophilia. This all depends on the amount of factor in the blood.

"A patient whose blood tests suggest severe hemophilia will usually bleed frequently, whereas another patient with a milder form will usually bleed only rarely. However, there is a range of severity within each group. The reasons for this variability may relate to other clotting factors or to differences in behaviors that present different risks of injury" (Griffin, 2007).

Can you imagine being a little kid and not being able to enjoy you life like the other little kids in the playground?

"Currently, about 17,000 people in the United States have hemophilia. About 1 in every 5,000 boys is born with hemophilia; girls are more rarely affected by this genetic condition linked to gender" (Griffin, 2007).

Signs and Symptoms of Hemophilia

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the factor missing."Once babies with hemophilia begin crawling and cruising, parents may notice raised bruises on the stomach, chest, buttocks, and back" (Griffin, 2007). The brusies tend to appear in unlikely places , and parents might be suspected of abuse.

Diagnosing Hemophilia

Doctors using do a set of blood test on the child. The test include a complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT), factor VIII level, and factor IX level.

Treating Hemophila

Hemophilia is a lifelong condition with no cure (other than liver transplantation), it can be successfully managed with clotting factor replacement therapy (Griffin, 2007).The patient has to have periodic infusions of the deficient clotting factor in their blood. "Factor replacement may be given through an intravenous (IV) line either at the hematology clinic or at home by a visiting nurse or by parents (and even older patients) who have undergone special training" (Griffin, 2007). The doctors will also teach the parent how to correctly inject your child

Griffin,S.(2007). Hemophila. Retreived October 6, 2009,from,http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/hemophilia.html

I just wanted to write about this disease to outline a disease that can mean a way of contracting a killer.In the late 1970's until the mid-1980's, the clotting factor concentrates also contained H.I.V.
each dose of which is extracted from the blood of as many as 2,000 donors.

DYK: I found a very interesting organization that advocates people to adopt children with HIV/AIDS. The founding family adopted two children who were thought to have HIV due to their mother having AIDS the the possibility of antibodies passing. Well, their children were positive and now they help other families see that HIV/AIDS orphans deserve a chance. These are all innocent children who didn't have a choice in getting the virus just like hemphiliacs it is a disease that decided for them.
They have recruited over 1000 families from all the 50 states and even 13 countries. WOW! It is amazing to know that many people care for children no matter there HIV status.
http://www.aidskids.org/

Growing in class Blog #4

I think that this class is one of the best things that has happened to me! I think that as everyday passes by there is so much information that continues to intrigue me and help me understand this class. I will definitely recommend this class to many people!
Well, I have already posted about getting tested for HIV. Well, I got tested for the third time! Yes, it may sound crazy. But I became obsessed with HIV. Last year, I thought I had HIV. As soon as my brother was diagnosed with HIV, I thought OMgosh I could have it too. Who knows right? I started getting sick. Yes, I had every symptom you search online for. I took a test this past February and my doctor thought I was stressed and being a hypochondriac. Well, test came back negative. But I still was a bit doubtful. I took another test for this class at the Health Department. It too came back negative. I also took a home HIV test. Yes, I am a bit on the crazy side. Well that came back negative too. So, I can proudly say I am HIV Negative! Let me tell you the things that went through my mind would turn anyone crazy. I think that sometimes the internet can be our worst enemies. So my advice for everyone is to stay positive until you need to face the worst.

Did you know?

This week I decided to research an organization that helps people who are HIV + in the state of New York. Apparently there are a lot of HIV cases in New York, so I thought what better state to research on? Ok...
I researched information on the HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in the year of 2007. This is the latest update they have.

Cases of people living with HIV (not AIDS)in NY

"There about 46,040 people in New York State as of 2007"(New York Health Department, 2007).

"There are about 73,889 people in the state of New York living with AIDS.
"These numbers include both male and female" (New York Health Department, 2007).

Like many health departments New York offers free HIV testing and counseling. This is great! But even though the test are offered free a lot of people still DO NOT get tested! I can't believed that something as important as this virus is still not taken seriously. It's time for a wake up call.
This weeks QOTW was about whether or not a persons health care provider should tell the infected persons partner about them having HIV. Well, I found a great resources its a booklet online that guides a person with HIV to tell their partner. Click (hopefully it works)http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/docs/9488eng.pdf
The state of NY offers many services just like Florida. There is free testing, free condoms, free information for anyone who would like to be educated.
I also found a great resource on a non-profit organization that helps Gay men. It is called GMHC: Gay Men's Health Crisis. A great tab that gives information on program and services:http://www.gmhc.org/programs.html.
Its really great to see organizations look out for Gay men and get them the help they need. This a great organizations. They give free meals, testing, free holiday meals and great serivices. Check it out!

This week I also wanted to focus on HIV in Gay men.
HIV does not just infect gay men! It targets everyone. Its up to you to make sure it doesn't affect you.
Okay... I did research and found information on advert.

"In the USA, it is estimated that nearly 220,000 men who have sex with men were living with HIV/AIDS in 2006, and nearly 5,000 had died. Around 48% of men diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in America in 2006 were probably exposed to the virus through male-to-male sexual contact" (CDC, 2006). Wow, this is extremely surprising.

What can be done to prevent this? AWARENESS! This is the most important part of preventing HIV in everyone. I was reading on advert about men having sex with men and not using condoms. This is still risky even though both men might have HIV, because they can be exposed to new strains of HIV. They might even pass other infections and it makes them much more susceptible in getting any infections due to their immune system being so weak.
I hope you all enjoyed my blog!
http://www.avert.org/young-gay-men.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2006, (Vol. 18).
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/

HIV and Women

I would like to start this week with the Did You Know portion of my blog.
I blogged last week about the possiblity of HIV+ women having children. I found an excellent organization in the state of Illinois that helps expecting mothers through their process. There is even a hotline that provides emotional support for women.
Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline 1-800-439-4079

One of the most amazing things about this hotline is that it is available 24/7 and it also serves women out of the state as well. This hotline feels that HIV+ women should have support 24/7 no matter what the circumstances. This hotline offers many services that seem to be of extreme importance for any women.
Hotline services include:

•Real-time medical consultation about the most up-to-date treatments for HIV-positive mothers and their babies.
•Linkage of HIV-positive women and their infants to an ongoing network of specialty care during and after pregnancy.
•Social service consultation and access to enhanced perinatal HIV case managers for the highest risk women.
•Post-test counseling and support for mothers and babies with positive rapid HIV tests.
•The reporting mechanism for preliminary positive rapid HIV tests as mandated by the Illinois Perinatal HIV Prevention Act

There are many interesting tabs on the website that answer about everything a person would want to know about being pregnant and positive.

I have really started to develop a passion for women and HIV. I think it is extremely of the essence for awareness to get out.
I previously blogged about HIV+ women being able to carry a healthy baby full-term. There are many drugs that benefit the women and unborn child.
There are many questions that will come into mind for a women that has just discovered she is pregnant, while being HIV+.
Some of the questions are:

Should I start treatment? What is the best treatment for me? What treatment will I need for delievery?

Searching the internet for answers I found many interesting insights on HIV treatment. It is important for a women to start HIV treatment for her health and for her babies as well. There are anti-HIV medicine that will prevent the baby from having HIV. This medicine will also ensure that the mother is healthy.In order to find the best treatment,it all depends on when the diagnoses was. "Women who are in the first trimester
of pregnancy and who do not have symptoms of HIV
disease may consider delaying treatment until after 10 to
12 weeks into their pregnancies" (HIV and Pregnancy,2009). After the first trimester,"pregnant women with HIV should receive at least AZT
(Retrovir or zidovudine); your doctor may recommend
additional medications depending on your CD4 count, viral
load, and drug resistance testing" (HIV and Pregnancy, 2009).
So, a very important question is "What treatment will I need for delievery?
"Most mother-to-child transmission of HIV occurs around
the time of labor and delivery" (HIV and Pregnancy, 2009). This makes it very important for the women and baby to receive the correct treatment!
There are several methods of treatment that will ensure that baby is HIV free. A mother is provided with:

1. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART),which is
recommended even for HIV-infected pregnant women
who do not need treatment for their own health. If
possible, HAART should include AZT (Retrovir or
zidovudine).
2. During labor and delivery, you should receive
intravenous (IV) AZT.
3. Your baby should take AZT (in liquid form) every 6
hours for 6 weeks after birth.

I think it is amazing that women have a choice! I read a book once that said, "I will live my life and not let HIV live it for me" Awesome!
http://www.hivpregnancyhotline.org/
http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/DrugRegimensPregnantWomen_FS_en.pdf

Did you know???

There are many organizations through out the world that help HIV positive people. I grew up in the state of Michigan, so I decided to look into an organizations in Detroit that help people that have HIV/AIDS. There is an organization that is called:
"AIDS Walk Michigan:One Step Toward a Solution"
What is AIDS Walk Michigan?
This organization started through a committe called, "Michigan Women and AIDS Committe".They started in 1990 a walk that helped raise awareness and raise money for women and HIV. Since 1990, this walk as become an annual walk for HIV.
Where does the money raise go?
The money raise helps the City of Detroit provide education, prevention and services to the community.
The most amazing thing I discovered was that
the money raised by AIDS Walk Michigan serves about 60% of the total 16,200 Michigan residents living with HIV/AIDS. Who knew that walking would make a difference!
I am sure like me you would like to know how you can help. If you do not live in Michigan, there is always money that you can donate to sponsor a walker or just simply mail the money in!

AIDS Walk Michigan - City of Detroit: 313-446-9818 or AIDS Walk Michigan's Toll Free Line: 888-791-WALK (9255)

http://www.aidswalkmichigan.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=309798

HIV & Pregnancy

I start this week by wondering about a big concern for women who are HIV positive. Many people think that as soon as a women has HIV they aren't able to bring life into this world. In 2009, HIV positive women have an option! They can start living their lives instead of having HIV live theirs. I searched the internet for many important facts on this topic and let me tell you I was able to find lots. Along with imformation on how to avoid passing HIV to the baby, I stumbled onto many interesting facts I would like to share.

According to the March of Dimes, there are an estimated

120,000 to 160,000 women

in the United States who have been infected with

HIV.

About 6,000 to 7,000 of women infected with HIV give birth annually.

Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, approximately 15,000 children in the United States have been infected with HIV and 3,000 children have died. About 90 percent of those were infected with the virus during pregnancy or birth.

How is HIV transmitted to the baby?

The most common way of transmission is called "perinatal transmission". The Child can contract HIV from the mother during pregancy, delivery and breastfeeding. This of course makes it very risky for mother who is HIV positive.

Factors which increase the risk of transmission include:  

• 
  
  Smoking
• 
  
  Substance abuse
• 
  
  Vitamin A deficiency
• 
  
  Malnutrition
• 
  
  Infections such as STD’s
• 
  
  Clinical stage of HIV, including viral load (quantity of HIV virus in the blood)

 With treatment less than 2 percent of babies born to HIV positive mothers will contract HIV, according to the March of Dimes.

Of course, treatment will be different. How so?

  A women that is HIV positive will receive both medical attention from a OB/GYN as well as from an HIV specialist. The doctors will also help her emotionally and mentally.

 Zidovudine (also known as ZDV, AZT and Retrovir) was the first drug licensed to treat HIV. Now it is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs and is often used to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. ZDV should be given to HIV-infected women beginning in the second trimester and continuing throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. Side effects include nausea, vomiting and low red or white blood cell counts.

THIS IS AMAZING!!!

March of Dimes, http://www.marchofdimes.com/

Maternal & Neonatal Health, Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS: Reducing the Risks.

My Journey in HIV class....

Hi.. My name is Sarai Nieves. I am a junior at UCF. I plan to obtain my bachelors degree and pursue dental school. I am also a mother of a very hyper and loving three year old.

While reading my blog, I hope that everyone understands a little more about me and about HIV. There are many exciting things that I will post along with articles that I have recently read. I hope it will open your heart to embrace HIV not only has a disease, but to view the faces that suffer from HIV.

I found a great game I will post the link to the website. The website has many great facts check it out! http://www.avert.org