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 HIV and AIDS

HIV/AIDS is the third leading cause of death in women aged 25 to 44. For African-American women aged 25 to 44, it is the number one cause of death. The number of women getting infected with HIV has increased greatly in the past 10 years, particularly for younger women. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens the body's immune system, causing infections and illnesses in a person that they otherwise could fight off. With major advances in treatment, HIV is becoming a chronic (lifelong) disease that can be managed with drugs. Prevention, such as not having sex and always using a condom every time a person has sex, is the best weapon against HIV.

Living with a chronic disease like HIV can affect a woman's body image. Drugs that a woman needs to stay healthy and to treat HIV-related illnesses can change how she feels and looks. Side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, and weight loss, can vary from person to person and be mild to extreme. Living with HIV can be stressful, affecting a woman's self-esteem and mental health. Women may need to care for children and other family members who also have HIV. Feeling alone, overwhelmed, and depressed at times is normal. Taking care of yourself and having a positive attitude is important. Getting the support you need from family and friends is equally important. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations to help women learn more about living with HIV and how to maintain a positive body image.

Publications

1.   A Guide to the Clinical Care of Women with HIV
   This publication is a comprehensive manual for clinicians caring for women living with HIV/AIDS.

2. Dealing with Drug Side Effects (Copyright © Project Inform)
   This publication counsels patients on coping with the side effects of anti-HIV drugs. Its topics cover fatigue, anemia, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, dry mouth, rash, peripheral neuropathy, period problems, and hair loss.

3. Health Matters - Knowing (and Loving) Yourself: Tips on Bolstering Your Self Esteem (Copyright © APLA)
   This article, from the Positive Living newsletter, explains the importence of a positive self image for women dealing with HIV/AIDS. It suggests tools and methods for women to control their self-image and affirm themselves.

4. HIV Drug Resistance & Resistance Testing (Copyright © ACRIA)
   This detailed overview addresses common questions about HIV drug resistance and the genotypic and phenotypic tests that measure resistance.

5. Issues Faced by Women with AIDS (Copyright © WA)
   The objective of this survey was to examine the most important issues faced by women living with HIV and/or AIDS diagnosis. Differences and similarities among women of different age groups, ethnicities and regions of the U.S. were also explored.

6. Wise Words: HIV/AIDS treatment information and advocacy for women - Issue No. 8 (Copyright © Project Inform)
   This edition of the Wise Words newsletter discusses "Women, HIV and Depression, "Sex and Living with HIV," "Telling Others about Your HIV," "Nutrition and Weight Maintenance," and "What's on the New Drug Horizon?"

Organizations

1.   Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHSTP, CDC, OPHS, HHS

2. American Foundation for AIDS Research

3. American Psychological Association

4. Project Inform

= Federal government resources

Text on this page last updated: September 2001

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