HIV/AIDS I – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and AIDS is the final stage of untreated HIV infection.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the meaning of HIV and AIDS.
2. Distinguish between HIV and AIDS.
3. List the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS.
4. Identify the symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
5. Explain the effects of HIV/AIDS on the individual, the family and society.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and lowers the number of healthy CD4 cells.

• Immune system: the body’s defence that protects you from germs that cause infection.
• CD4 cells: the immune cells that help the body fight infections.
• Effect of HIV: over time, it lowers the number of healthy CD4 cells.
• Result: the body becomes weak against infections and diseases.
• Cure: HIV has no cure, but medicine can control it.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection, when CD4 cells have fallen so low that the body cannot fight infections.

• Acquired: a person gets it from HIV infection; it is not inherited.
• Immune deficiency: the immune system is weak and cannot protect the body.
• Syndrome: a group of signs and illnesses that occur together.
• Time to develop: without treatment, it usually takes about 10 years or more.
• With treatment: antiretroviral drugs taken as prescribed help many people avoid AIDS.

What are the differences between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that causes the infection, while AIDS is the advanced condition that HIV can lead to.

• HIV: a virus that can be passed from person to person.
• AIDS: a syndrome that a person acquires only after HIV infection.
• Link: someone with AIDS must have HIV, but someone with HIV does not have to have AIDS.

What are the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS?

HIV is passed on through contact with certain body fluids of an infected person: blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk.

Ways HIV is passed on

• Unprotected sex: contact with vaginal and rectal fluids or semen of an infected person.
• Blood transfusion: receiving blood that has not been screened for HIV.
• Sharing contaminated sharp instruments: razor blades, clippers, knives and other sharp objects.
• Unsterilised equipment: needles, syringes, blades and clippers used on more than one person.
• Mother to child: during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Open sores: contact between an open sore or wound and the fluid of an infected person.
• Occupational hazards: accidental needle-stick injuries or blood contact among health workers.

Ways HIV is not passed on

• Casual contact: handshakes, hugging and sitting together.
• Sharing items: food, plates, cups, toilets and clothes.
• Mosquito bites: mosquitoes do not pass on HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

The symptoms of HIV/AIDS are signs of a weakened immune system, and many people with HIV show no symptoms for years.

Early signs

• Fever: a raised body temperature.
• Swollen glands: especially in the neck, armpit and groin.
• Body aches and pains: general aches in the muscles and joints.
• Skin rashes: rashes that do not clear easily.
• Sore throat and headaches: repeated or lasting a long time.
• Fatigue: persistent severe tiredness.

Later signs

• Cough: including a dry cough that does not go away.
• Weight loss: loss of appetite and weight for a long period.
• Night sweats: heavy sweating during sleep.
• Persistent diarrhoea: loose stools that last for weeks.
• Frequent infections: pneumonia and sexually transmitted infections.
• Vomiting, dizziness and fainting: repeated episodes.
• Loss of memory and loss of hair: seen in some patients.
• Menstrual irregularities: changes in a woman’s monthly cycle.

• Note: these signs can also come from other illnesses, so only an HIV test can confirm HIV.

What are the effects of HIV/AIDS?

The effects of HIV/AIDS are the harm it causes to the infected person, the family and society.

Effects on the individual

• Damage to the immune system: the body cannot fight infections, so many diseases enter.
• Loss of appetite: it affects feeding and the body’s metabolism.
• Heavy medical bills: a large amount of money is spent on treatment.
• Loss of livelihood: the person may be unable to work.
• Depression and emotional instability: fear, sadness and loss of hope.
• Psychological problems: stress and anxiety.
• Stigmatisation: people may reject or label the person, which harms social and emotional well-being.
• Untimely death: AIDS can cause early death if not treated.

Effects on the family

• Poor parental care: sick or dead parents cannot look after children.
• Broken homes: the strain can split families.
• Orphans and vulnerable children: more children lose parents.
• School dropouts: children leave school when fees are not available.
• Financial drain: family savings are used for treatment.

Effects on society

• Reduction in productivity and manpower: fewer healthy workers.
• Increase in the dependency ratio: more people depend on fewer workers.
• Increase in poverty: lost income lowers living standards.
• Increase in social vices: neglected young people may turn to crime.
• Burden of orphans: society must care for more vulnerable children.

Evaluation

1. State the full meaning of HIV and AIDS.
2. Give three differences between HIV and AIDS.
3. List five ways in which HIV can be transmitted.
4. Mention five symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
5. Explain three effects of HIV/AIDS on the family.

Assignment

List five effects of HIV/AIDS on society and explain any two of them.