The search for a cure for aids continues learning

The search for a cure for AIDS continues. Learning more about the genetics of the small
number of HIV­infected individuals who remain healthy may lead to new therapies that
can help others. Gene therapy, in which the immune system is reconstructed with
genetically altered resistant cells, is one potentially promising approach. Development
of an effective and safe vaccine for HIV is the ultimate goal, but many biological and
social challenges have to be overcome. Vaccines tested have failed to achieve
expectations. While some progress has been achieved, it will still be many years before
an HIV vaccine is licensed and widely available. Even with medical advances, individual
practice of safe sex would remain paramount to reducing transmission.

12/5/2016 Slides and Notes for
30/31
Image: McGraw Hill
Living with HIV or AIDS
Lecture Notes
If you are HIV­positive, in addition to dealing with psychological and social issues you
need to pay special attention to maintaining good health. If you are caring for someone
with HIV or AIDS, you also have special needs. Fortunately, people with HIV are living
longer, healthier lives today, thanks to new and effective treatments. It is important to
find a physician who has experience working with HIV and AIDS and is sensitive to the
issues confronted by individuals infected with HIV. In addition to appropriate medical
treatment, factors that can help promote your continuing good health include good
nutrition, plenty of rest, exercise, limited (or no) alcohol use, stress reduction, and
taking ART. In addition, if you decide to have sexual contact with another person, it
means practicing safer sex, even if your partner is also HIV­positive. Researchers
caution that one can become reinfected with different HIV strains. If you are living with
HIV or AIDS, you may need many kinds of support: medical, emotional, psychological,
and financial. Your doctor, your local health department and social services
departments, local AIDS service organizations, and the Internet can help you find all
kinds of help. Both current and past partners should be notified so that they can be
tested and receive counseling. In many states, HIV­infected people are required by law
to notify current and recent sexual and needle­sharing partners. AIDS counselors and
health­care practitioners currently encourage those with HIV to make all possible efforts
to contact past and current partners.

12/5/2016 Slides and Notes for
31/31
Final Thoughts
Lecture Notes
HIV/AIDS is a major health challenge domestically and internationally. It is transmitted
primarily through sexual contact and issues of ignorance, denial of risk, stigmatization,
and discrimination, act as barriers to progress and controlling the epidemic. We do not
have to continue to die as a result of a disease that is totally preventable.