HIV/AIDS: Epidemic Update for Florida-Since the discovery of HIV, scientists have made major inroads in understanding modes of transmission, infectivity, and pathogenicity. Knowledge about the characteristics and behavior of this human retrovirus and its complex mechanisms of immunopathogenesis has helped to develop targeted therapeutic interventions and vaccine strategies. Sophisticated techniques have been and are being developed to diagnose infection, to monitor immune decline, to monitor response to therapy and disease progression, and to accurately detect and diagnose opportunistic diseases. Therapeutic alternatives, especially the nucleoside analogue antiretroviral drugs, have been tested, approved, and are providing benefit to many who are HIV-infected. Much has been learned about the complexities of caring for HIV-infected persons, how to keep them disease-free longer, and how to manage their symptoms more effectively. In addition, the development of new knowledge from HIV-related research also has helped to clarify aspects of the human immune response, behavioral interventions, public health strategies, and social and ethical approaches that contribute to the understanding and management of other diseases and health conditions.
Healthcare professionals will continue to play a major and significant role in preventing the spread of HIV infection and in caring for those who are infected or affected by HIV. As the demographics of HIV infection evolve, both in the United States and around the world, it is clear that all healthcare professionals in all practice settings will be involved to some extent with HIV infection. To be effective and provide compassionate care, adequate and up-to-date information about transmission, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of HIV-infected individuals must be obtained by all healthcare professionals. They must feel comfortable with this knowledge in order to provide care, educate patients and others, and fulfill their professional obligations without undue fear or anxiety.**
Discuss the background and significance of the AIDS epidemic.
Discuss the characteristics of HIV disease.
Describe the transmission of HIV infection, including risk behaviors and routes of contagion. Discuss the natural history and classification of HIV infection.
Describe the treatments available in the care of patients with HIV, including antiretroviral regimens.
Discuss the characteristics of HIV disease.
Describe the transmission of HIV infection, including risk behaviors and routes of contagion. Discuss the natural history and classification of HIV infection.
Describe the treatments available in the care of patients with HIV, including antiretroviral regimens.
1.0 Free CEUs For Nurses and Nurse Practitioners (inlcudes 0.5 Hours of Pharmacology)
approved by FBON & others
approved by FBON & others
**excerpt from course overview