Terms to Remember - SAfAIDS

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page 2Clients may not be able to control whathappens, once they have disclosed. Mostcases of involuntary disclosure arise fromsituations where clients decide to partiallydisclose their status and without theirknowledge the information is made publicby an individual or organisation.Non-disclosure means that clients do notreveal their HIV status to anyone.Involuntary disclosure happens whensomeone reveals someone’s HIV statuswithout their approval or even without theirknowledge. Involuntary disclosure can alsooccur when one is forced to reveal theirHIV status for workplace requirements,or international travel requirements.DiscriminationA term used to describe treating otherpeople differently or unfairly because theyare HIV positive or different from others.Exclusive breastfeedingWhen an HIV positive mother ONLYbreastfeeds her child and does not use anyother form of nourishment (formulas, water,dairy milk) to prevent the transmission ofHIV to her baby.First-line treatment or regimenA term used to describe the first set ofARV drugs given as part of ART. Usually,the set is a combination of threeantiretroviral medicines aimed at increasingCD4 counts and decreasing viral load whilepreventing resistance.GlandsThese are tissues and organs (parts) of thebody that make useful substances for thebody – such as the thyroid gland in thethroat. The glands also allow chemicalsto be passed out of your body such asthe sweat glands on your skin. Otherglands act as filters of infection such asglands in the armpit.Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy(HAART)A combination of three antiretroviralmedicines used to fight HIV and AIDS.HIVHIV stands for ‘Human ImmunodeficiencyVirus’. This means HIV is a virus (germ thatcauses disease when it enters your body)that weakens the human immune system.Immune systemThe immune system is a combination ofthe different parts of our body - thechemicals, cells, tissues and organs thatprotect the body from germs. The immunesystem can tell the difference betweenwhat belongs to the body and what doesnot belong. It is sometimes called thebody’s defence system. When your immunesystem is strong, you are able to fightforeign bodies that enter your body andavoid getting sick. HIV makes our immunesystem weak and that is why, if you areinfected with HIV, over time you begin toget sick more often and for longer periods.Informed consentThe basis of Voluntary Counselling and Testing,where the decision to take an HIV test is madeentirely by the individual being tested.Life cycleA term used to describe different times ina person’s life. People at different stagesin their life cycle will have different needs,concerns and ways of coping with problems.
page 3Meaningful Involvement of People Livingwith or Affected by HIV and AIDS (MIPA)One of the general principles of good carefor PLWHA which recognises the importantcontribution PLWHA can make in responseto the fight against HIV and AIDS andcreating a space within society for theinvolvement and active participation ofPLWHA in such responses.Non-adherenceThe failure or inability of PLWHA to stick totheir ARV regimen.Opportunistic infections (OIs)These are diseases caused by bacteria,fungi or viruses that take advantage ofthe weakened immune system in peopleinfected with HIV.Parent to Child Transmission (PTCT)This is when HIV positive parents pass HIV totheir baby either during pregnancy, at birthor after delivery. Because the virus directlycomes from the mother, this is also referredto as mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) orvertical transmission. It is now called PTCTbecause we know that a baby’s HIV status isthe responsibility of both parents.Pill burdenA term used to describe ART regimens thatinvolve many doses of pills each day withspecific food and fluid instructions. Highpill burden is associated with decreasedlevels of adherence.Pill countA method for measuring adherence toART that involves counting the numberof pills taken and comparing that numberagainst how many pills should be takenfor 100% adherence.Positive livingA term used to describe steps taken bypeople living with HIV or AIDS that enhancetheir lives and increase their health.Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)PEP is treatment with medicines to preventHIV from developing within one’s body.This requires taking ARV medicines for ashort period after being exposed to HIV.PEP is usually given after an accident whichinvolved mixing of your blood with anotherperson’s blood, or forced sexualintercourse such as rape.Prevention of Parent-to-ChildTransmission (PPTCT)Methods that help prevent a motherpassing HIV onto her baby duringpregnancy, child birth or breast feeding.ResistanceA term used to describe the ability of HIVto change its structure so that ARVmedicines become less effective. The fewerantiretroviral medicines a person is taking,the greater the chance HIV will have theopportunity to change. Resistance is thereason why ARVs are usually prescribed asa combination of three medicines.Safer sexThese are sexual practices that preventpossible contact with and mixing ofinfected sex fluids. These include sexualintercourse using a female or malecondom, oral sex, non- penetrative sexand mutual masturbation.Second-line treatment regimenA second line of ARV medications given toindividuals who have developed resistanceto first-line ARV regimens or whoexperienced treatment failure.
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Terms to Remember - SAfAIDS

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