AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): the term literally means

	Acquired: not inherited (however it can be congenital by transmission from the mother to the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding)
	Immune deficiency: a breakdown of the body's ability to fight off opportunistic infections
	Syndrome: a set of physical conditions or symptoms. There is a virus that is associated with it called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus leads to AIDS.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a 'retrovirus' with a unique ability to inject its genetic material into another cell causing it to become a host cell. The host cell then becomes a viral factory producing more virus. This cycle is how HIV multiples in one's body after infection. HIV describes all manifestations of infection before the development of AIDS. This has become a pandemic disease.

Causes: primary transmission of disease through bodily fluids: blood and blood products, semen, vaginal secretion, breast milk, and amniotic fluid.

Signs & Symptoms:

HIV	AIDS
Severe weight loss and wasting	Numerous neurological symptoms or illnesses
Various respiratory illnesses: nonproductive cough shortness of breath	Toxoplasmic encephalitis: headaches, lethargy, confusion, seizures, ring-enhancing lesions
Chronic diarrhea	Forms of pneumonia
Dementia	Kaposi sarcoma
Fevers of unknown origin	Various infections
Chronic fatigue	Other disorders
Swollen lymph glands

Safety considerations/steps for the physical educator:

Consult with a physician to determine activity levels.

Precautions should be taken to ensure the avoidance of injury that leads to bleeding.

Avoid contact with blood/body fluids from the student with AIDS.

If a student with AIDS suffers abrasions, cuts, or bleeding injuries, remove bleeding student until wound can be covered.

Deposit soiled clothes, diapers, and blood materials in a leak proof disposal/plastic bag, to be cleaned at home.

Cleanse toys by immersion in germicidal solution, rinse after each use.

Any equipment should be disinfected with chlorine bleach or germicidal solution with gloves on.

No extraordinary hygienic steps are deemed necessary to launder towels unless contaminated with blood or body excretions.

Adolescent females in menstruation should dispose of sanitary items appropriately.

Showers/swimming pools can be shared. The chemicals in the water should prevent the virus from spreading.

Staff must recognize the importance of and use hand-washing techniques with disinfecting agent solutions.

Teaching Tips:

Assess physical/motor performance frequently.

Individual's education program (IEP) should be commensurate with individual's needs.

Promote maintenance of existing skills and capabilities.

Provide adequate rest periods.

Monitor pulse rate.

Generally, increase exercise tolerance gradually.

Reduce activity level in hot/humid environments, encourage water/fluid replacement.

Encourage the individual to enjoy those activities they are interested in and have the strength to perform.

The ULTIMATE goal is to always include the student in as many activities as possible.

This information contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained.

Links

National Minority AIDS Council

Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group

Fact Sheets Home

Information Sheet Home

Written by Linda Hilgenbrinck, doctoral student in APE at Texas Woman's University.

	Consult with a physician to determine activity levels.
	Precautions should be taken to ensure the avoidance of injury that leads to bleeding.
	Avoid contact with blood/body fluids from the student with AIDS.
	If a student with AIDS suffers abrasions, cuts, or bleeding injuries, remove bleeding student until wound can be covered.
	Deposit soiled clothes, diapers, and blood materials in a leak proof disposal/plastic bag, to be cleaned at home.
	Cleanse toys by immersion in germicidal solution, rinse after each use.
	Any equipment should be disinfected with chlorine bleach or germicidal solution with gloves on.
	No extraordinary hygienic steps are deemed necessary to launder towels unless contaminated with blood or body excretions.
	Adolescent females in menstruation should dispose of sanitary items appropriately.
	Showers/swimming pools can be shared. The chemicals in the water should prevent the virus from spreading.
	Staff must recognize the importance of and use hand-washing techniques with disinfecting agent solutions.

	Assess physical/motor performance frequently.
	Individual's education program (IEP) should be commensurate with individual's needs.
	Promote maintenance of existing skills and capabilities.
	Provide adequate rest periods.
	Monitor pulse rate.
	Generally, increase exercise tolerance gradually.
	Reduce activity level in hot/humid environments, encourage water/fluid replacement.
	Encourage the individual to enjoy those activities they are interested in and have the strength to perform.
	The ULTIMATE goal is to always include the student in as many activities as possible.