Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the immune system. Over time the infection progresses to immunodeficiency virus (AIDS). HIV is a virus transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk ( Hall & Cockerell, 2011) . The diagnosis involves testing the blood or saliva for antibodies of the virus.
HIV/AIDS does not have a cure but there are some medicines available to control the virus. They are known as antiretroviral ARVs that are used to block the virus in several ways. Every person who is infected with the virus should receive treatment regardless of the stage of the infection ( Hall & Cockerell, 2011) . The treatment plan requires one to take the pills at a specific time of the day for the remaining part of one’s life. There are some side effects that are related to the drugs which require consistent appointments with the doctor. Treatment can also be hard to manage if the patient has age-related diseases which make it hard for the drugs to interact.
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One of the standard procedures, when a patient is diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, involves contacting their sexual partner to inform them of the risk of exposure. It also provides them a chance of getting tested so they are aware of their status. This standard practice affects the gathering of incidences and prevalence rates for HIV/AIDS because many individuals may not disclose their status to their partners ( Hall & Cockerell, 2011) . I agree with this protocol because it will reduce the ongoing risk of transmission. If there were any changes to be addressed in this procedure to assist in data gathering, I would suggest some few changes such as frequent screening of the virus among partners. For patients who are already positive, I would recommend that they are offered with several options to assist them on how to notify their partners. Additionally, the healthcare system and the government should partner up to have supportive policies to create partner notifications programmes. All these changes suggested are effective in minimizing the rate of HIV or AIDS infected patients.
References
Hall, J. C., Hall, B. J., & Cockerell, C. J. (2011). HIV, AIDS in the post-Haart era: Manifestations, treatment, and epidemiology . Shelton, Conn: People's Med. Publ. House.
