Caring for someone with HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are serious medical conditions throughout the world today. Left untreated, AIDS is 100% fatal; however, life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs have begun to transform HIV from an inescapable death sentence into a manageable condition.The well-documented ways in which HIV is spread are: by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and/or syringes (primarily for drug injection) with someone who is infected, or, less commonly (and now very rarely in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies), through transfusions of infected blood or blood clotting factors. Babies born to HIV-infected women may become infected before or during birth or through breast-feeding after birth.
One of the best places for those with HIV/AIDS to be cared for is at home, surrounded by the people who love them. Many people living with the virus can lead an active life for a very long time, and most of the time they do not need to be in a hospital. Being at home is often cheaper, more comfortable, more familiar, and gives those with HIV/AIDS more control of their life. In fact, people with AIDS-related illnesses often get better faster and with less discomfort at home with the help of a carer.
If you are caring for someone at home, remember that each person reacts to read more
