A communicable disease is an infectious disease transmitted from one person to another directly or indirectly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1. 1 million Americans are living with HIV and nearly one in five of those are not aware that they are infected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that slowly destroys the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a communicable disease transmitted through, semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance in helping control the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak by working in conjunction with international, national, state, and community colleagues in research, observation, education, and prevention activities.
The efforts to help control the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) includes increasing prevention in communities where it is greatly affected, educating the public on the risk and how to prevent the spread of the disease (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) When identify the environmental factors relating to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been researched and the most relevant findings states that not receiving family support is the most sought out environmental aspect.
Other environmental factors include the lack of public services and assistance, proper medical services and discrimination against those affected with the virus (Nichols, Tchounwoa, & Mena, 2009). The influences of lifestyle and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are based on how an individual decides to live his or her life. Intravenous drug users who share used needles are at risk of contracting and transmitting the virus. Men who engage in sexual relations with men are at risk of developing and transmitting the virus.
There are many lifestyles that can put an individual at risk for contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The socioeconomic status relating to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is usually determined by grouping an individual’s occupation, income, and education level. Even though socioeconomic affects everyone those on the lower end of the spectrum are more likely to contract the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and developing the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The unavailability of resources is related to risky health behavior, which may lead to contracting HIV.
Maintaining the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is more effective since the early 1980s. There are more medication readily available than in the early stages of the disease. There are some inconsistencies in the care of individuals with HIV concerning getting the proper access and receiving the needed services in some underserved communities. However, there are many resources available to individuals interested in getting information, getting tested, and getting the necessary treatment for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The recommendation for expanding the communities programs would be to coordinate community resources with federal and state programs. The health department should continue educating the public on how important it is to be tested regularly and if an individual takes an HIV test and get a positive result how important it is to begin treatment to stay healthy. Using the media is a way of getting the information to the public and educating in a nationwide forum. There are new test available that can be done in the privacy of one’s home.
Even though the test is not 100% accurate it is something the public can use to determine if someone is positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The public health department offers at no cost testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), counseling, and referral services for individuals who have tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The health department educates how the virus is spread and how to protect oneself from getting the disease. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program is assists those who are infected with the HIV disease, and it helps the individual gain access to the needed treatment.
This program provides medical care and needed support that an individual with HIV/AIDS will need. In conclusion, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infectious disease transmitted in several ways. Since the first outbreak of HIV in the 1980s the annual number of new cases has dropped by more than two- thirds since the 1990s. This is a result of new and advanced treatments for the disease. The government on the national, state, and local levels are working together to try to prevent new cases of HIV by educating the public and providing medical care to infected individuals.
The largest group new cases of HIV infections are of men who have sex with men. The CDC is keeping track of how many new cases are arising and how many individuals are taking advantage of the services that are provided. This category show by gender and IV drug user what percentage is infected with HIV. Retrieved from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Estimated new HIV cases by gender and race in 2010. Retrieved from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention References Nichols, L. , Tchounwoa, P. B., Mena, L. & Sarpong, D. (2009, July).
The effects of environmental factors on persons living with HIV/AIDS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6(7)(), 2041-2054. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738897/ U. S Department of Health and Human Services. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://hab. hrsa. gov/abouthab/aboutprogram. html Today’s HIV/AIDS Epidemic. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/HIVFactSheets/TodaysEpidemic-508. pdf.