Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

The strength of HIV lies in not knowing its victims. Knowing the disease and the ways it is transmitted is the only real protection against it. HIV is a disease that cannot be cured and for which there is no vaccine but which can be prevented 100%. Unfortunately, too many people feel protected from the risk of infection when in reality they do not know, or mistakenly believe, what HIV/AIDS is. The disease is caused by the HIV virus, which is responsible for the slow and progressive destruction of the immune system. When the immune system is compromised to a level that no longer allows an optimal defense of the organism, numerous diseases and infections can occur that cause the death of the person. The scientific community has recognised counseling as a key tool in combating HIV infection. Nursing counseling is a particular form of relationship help that the nurse uses combining communication skills and specific technical knowledge, in order to provide complete and effective care to the patient. The purpose of counseling is to support, guide and educate. Antiretroviral therapy has drastically altered the natural history of HIV infection by decreasing both mortality and morbidity. Moreover, today it is possible to prevent the transmission of the infection by regularly taking the therapy and therefore having a suppressed viral plasma load. Finally, pre-exposure prophylaxis plays a very important role in prevention. The purpose of the following review is to deepen the knowledge about the HIV positive person, his state of physical and mental health and the different types of approach to the disease. The goals of nursing-care are identifying strategies aimed at the care of HIV patients by providing psychological support and implementing interventions to improve the quality of life.