HIV/AIDS
Clinical Description
Infection occurs when an individual acquires the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Within a few weeks of the initial infection, persons may experience a few days of clinical symptoms suggestive of a viral illness. Symptoms may include fever, rash, myalgia, neuralgia, headaches, and gastrointestinal disturbances. After this initial response, persons usually become asymptomatic, although suppression of the immune system is occurring. Opportunistic infections occur when immune suppression becomes severe. The final stage of HIV infection is known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and is characterized by development of certain infections or conditions associated with immune suppression.
Incubation Period
HIV antibodies may not be detectable for 3-6 months after exposure, depending on the sensitivity of the antibody test. However, in most persons they are detectable in 2-8 weeks. In most instances, the virus itself begins to replicate upon entering the host and can be detected with an RNA test within 9-11 days after exposure. The antibody test is the routine test for HIV. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testing/resources/qa/be_tested.htm#wait
Mode of Transmission
In a non-medical setting, HIV is transmitted from an infected person to another by four body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. These fluids may be passed from one person to another when infected fluids come in contact with an uninfected person’s broken skin or mucous membranes in enough quantity to allow for the replication of the virus. There are three major ways of contracting HIV: (1) unprotected sexual encounters; (2) sharing needles with persons who are infected with HIV; (3) mother to child transmission during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or breast feeding.
Period of Communicability
A person can spread HIV to others before it is detectable in the body and anyone infected remains a life-long carrier of the virus. HIV-infected mothers should consult a health care provider. Certain medications prevent transmission to the developing baby.
Exclusion/Attendance
According to IC 16-41-9-3, children must not be excluded from school activities based on their HIV status. http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title16/ar41/ch9.html
It should be noted that HIV is not reportable by school systems or to school systems. All confidentiality requirements found in IC 16-41-8 must be followed: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title16/ar41/ch8.html
Prevention/Care
- Provide comprehensive, fact-based education to prevent HIV infection in children.
- Equipment contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids (or both) are appropriately disinfected or sterilized prior to reuse (see Rule 410 IAC 1-2.3-73(3)). Universal precautions to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids should be practiced.
- Dispense medications to infected students in a discreet manner in accordance with the exact directions regarding time of day to be taken, dosage, and other specifications as indicated (i.e. the need to be given on empty stomach or with food).
Other Resources
Indiana State Department of Health Quick Fact Link:
http://www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/hiv.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Link:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/
Stay Connected
