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Women living with HIV can have healthy pregnancies and babies According to HIV.gov, talking with a medical provider is essential when an HIV-positive woman is planning a pregnancy. A provider can help you learn how to prevent #HIV transmission to an HIV-negative partner. Also, pregnant people may take #PrEP if their partner is HIV-positive. The Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline is aimed at preventing HIV transmission from pregnant people to their infants. Individuals who need support and resources can call 1.800.439.4079 or visit hivpregnancyhotline.org. Medical treatment can reduce the risk of passing HIV to an infant during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Maintaining an undetectable viral load by taking antiretroviral medications is the best way to prevent transmission of HIV from a pregnant person with HIV to their unborn child. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescribed throughout pregnancy and childbirth can reduce the risk of transmission to less than 1%. Taking ART will also reduce the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding/chestfeeding to less than 1%; however, the risk is not zero. Infant formula or banked breastmilk are alternative options that eliminate the risk of transmission through breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Learn more about #WomenAndHIV at https://bit.ly/3XQlbaE. Take our Women and HIV Quiz at https://bit.ly/3XLDI8g Learn about HIV testing, treatment and how to enroll in Illinois HIV Care Connect at hivcareconnect.com

Yesterday was World AIDS Day, a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to combat HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS remains a global challenge, but education, prevention, and treatment advancements give us hope for a healthier future. Here's what you need to know: 📊 The Current Landscape: ▪️ Over 38 million people worldwide live with HIV, but many are unaware of their status. ▪️ Advances in treatment, like antiretroviral therapy (ART), make HIV a manageable condition when detected early. 🛡️ Prevention Matters: ▪️PrEP & PEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV risk by up to 99% when taken as prescribed. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent infection if started within 72 hours. ▪️Testing is Key: Regular HIV testing is essential for early detection and prevention of transmission. 🤝 Combatting Stigma: ▪️Educating communities and dispelling myths about HIV transmission can save lives. ▪️Support those living with HIV by fostering acceptance and empathy. 📚 Ongoing Education: ▪️ Keep informed about new treatment options like long-acting injectable ART and other advancements in care. Every action counts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Together, we can make a difference in creating a future free from stigma and illness. #WorldAIDSDay #HIVAwareness #Healthcare #Healthequity #Medicalincs

Today being World AIDS Vaccine Day, I want to bring attention to the importance of medication adherence in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Adhering to antiretroviral therapy not only helps individuals manage their health but also contributes to global efforts to control the epidemic. While awareness about adherence at the individual level is vital, there is still much work to be done around the world spreading awareness to the large populations at the highest risk with this deadly disease. We have tools available that can identify those patients at risk for non adherence and programs that use education and interventional therapy and techniques to encourage them to maintain their prescribed regimens. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) is an effective tool for assessing and improving adherence to ART. It helps healthcare providers identify patients who may need additional support, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their treatment and enhancing overall health outcomes. This article validates a European Portuguese version of the scale in HIV patients. https://lnkd.in/g3VQ72km Key messages This scale can be applied nationwide in other different hospitals, as it could serve as a tool for measuring adherence to ART that can allow for better health care to the ones that are low adhering. A Portuguese version of the MMAS-8 was created for measuring adherence to ART that maintained a similar structure to the original MMAS-8 and good psychometric properties.

𝕎𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 by 𝔸𝕕𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣-𝕥𝕠-ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 ℍ𝕀𝕍. Did you know that Nigeria has 190,950 HIV/AIDS infections per year? And second highest in the world. Shouldn't you be worried? 👉 Did you know that HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding  👉 Do you know that without treatment, 25–30% of babies born to mothers with HIV will get infected with HIV? Do you think Nigeria is making significant progress in halting the spread of the virus? 👉Did you know that if mothers are aware that they are infected and treated along with their infants, the chances of the infant getting HIV are less than 2%? This is a critical issue that affects thousands of newborns each year. Do you know we have the power to make a difference? Yes, we do! If we provide education to these mothers, we will record a lesser number of infants with the virus. What Can We Do? Awareness is the first step towards change. Share this information to educate others, advocate for comprehensive healthcare access, and support initiatives that aim to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission. Your voice matters! I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How can we further improve awareness and prevention efforts? Let’s collaborate to ensure a healthier future for every child. Together, we can break the chain of transmission. Follow my page for more updates on HIV prevention and health strategies, and consider supporting local organisations working to end perinatal HIV transmission. Meeting me for the first time, I am Chibitam Kem Ikechi, a health advocate passionate about the attainment of a healthier society. #HIVPrevention #PerinatalHIV #HealthAwareness #MaternalHealth #PreventingHIV #HealthcareAccess #PublicHealth #EndHIV #HIVEducation #HealthyMomsHealthyBabies

The latest HIV in Scotland report from Public Health Scotland is out today! Here are some key highlights: 📉 New HIV reports from first-ever diagnoses have decreased from 60% in 2018 to 33% in 2023. 🛡️ 1,277 individuals accessed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the first time between 1 July and 31 December 2023. 📈 Heterosexually acquired first-ever HIV diagnoses has now exceed those among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. ⬇️ Lowest proportion of first-ever diagnoses at a late stage of HIV infection were recorded. Read the full report here: 👉

These are really encouraging stats for Scotland’s journey toward zero new HIV transmission by 2030! 📉📈 The significant reduction in new diagnoses, increased use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and early detection efforts are all steps in the right direction. Let’s keep up the momentum to #GetToZero and a Scotland where anyone living with or at risk of HIV can expect to be treated with acceptance, support and respect.

In our latest article in Hospital Pharmacist's Letter, we explore the importance of safe transitions of care for patients living with HIV. Shockingly, medication errors may occur in over 80% of hospitalized patients with HIV. To ensure safe transitions of care, we recommend working closely with your infectious disease colleagues to establish an antiretroviral stewardship program. Additionally, consider the following strategies: - Admission: Use an EHR-generated list to identify patients with HIV, including those with positive tests or taking antiretrovirals. Talk to patients to determine their regimen and assess adherence. By taking these steps, we can better support patients living with HIV and ensure they receive the safe and effective care they deserve. #HIVcare #TransitionsOfCare #PatientSafety

🌍 This #WorldAIDSDay, Empower Yourself with Essential HIV Knowledge 🌟 As a healthcare professional, your expertise has the power to save lives. This World AIDS Day, elevate your role in the fight against HIV with trusted resources designed to enhance your clinical practice and keep you at the forefront of treatment and care advancements. 💡 What’s Available to Support You: - Clinical Guidelines - Comprehensive Medicine Information - Expert-Led Courses - Free CPDs - Patient Education Leaflets Access evidence-based guidelines to effectively manage HIV and AIDS – from prevention strategies to advanced treatment protocols: 📖 Key resources include: - ART Clinical Guidelines for the Management of HIV in Adults, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, Adolescents, Children, Infants and Neonates - The Guideline for Vertical Transmission Prevention of Communicable Infections 💊 Stay informed with medicine insights on: - ART regimens - Drug interactions - Dosing recommendations - The latest drug updates 🎓 Advance your knowledge with expert-led courses, including: - HIV in the Workplace - HIV Testing Services - Nurse-Initiated Management of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (NIMART) - Clinical Management of Paediatric HIV/AIDS 🆓 Don’t miss this free CPD: Advancing Towards HIV Elimination: Strategies, Challenges, and Innovations 👉 Access all of these and more on the EMGuidance platform. https://hubs.la/Q02ZQ_RH0 This World AIDS Day, let’s strengthen our commitment to improving care, advancing innovation, and achieving global HIV elimination goals. #WorldAIDSDay #HIVAwareness #HealthcareInnovation #HIVElimination #MedicalEducation #FreeCPDs #PatientCare #ClinicalExcellence #YourKey toCare

World AIDS Day: Know Your Status, Take Action, End AIDS Let's unite in the fight against HIV, support those living with the virus, and honor lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most severe phase of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections and diseases. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS. KEY FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 1. HIV is NOT a death sentence: Early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. 2. Transmission: HIV spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is NOT spread through casual contact, hugs, or sharing food. 3. Prevention: Use condoms, get tested regularly, avoid sharing needles, and consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at high risk. KNOWING YOUR STATUS MATTERS 1. Early Detection Saves Lives: Knowing your status allows timely treatment to prevent complications and transmission. 2. Prevent Further Spread: Treatment reduces viral load, making HIV undetectable and untransmittable. 3. Empowerment: Knowledge is power—knowing your status gives you control over your health. CALL TO ACTION 1. Get tested. HIV testing is quick, easy, and confidential. 2. Support those living with HIV to reduce stigma. 3. Advocate for education, prevention, and universal access to treatment. 4. Talk to a health professional for more enquiries Together, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation. #worldaidsday #knowyourstatus #endaids #hivawareness #worldaidsday2024 #hiv #aids #explore #tedhubnetwork #tedhubpharmacy #tedhubpharm

🌐💉 Getting to Know HIV/AIDS Better 💉🌐 Hello fellow nurses! Today, let's delve into the world of HIV/AIDS, a global health challenge that we all should be well-informed about. 🌍💔 1. Disease Definition 🦠 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the culprit behind AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This virus targets the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections and other illnesses. 2. Recognizing Symptoms 🤒 Symptoms of HIV can vary, including fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. It's crucial to note that one can be infected with HIV without showing any symptoms. Specialized blood tests are required for an accurate diagnosis. 3. Effective Prevention Measures 🛡️ Education plays a pivotal role in HIV prevention. Consistent condom use, avoiding sharing needles, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission. 4. How to Get Tested for HIV 💉 It's essential to dispel the stigma surrounding HIV testing. HIV tests can be conducted at health centers, clinics, or hospitals. Rapid tests provide quick results, offering an opportunity for further action if the results are positive. 🏥🕑 5. When to Seek Medical Assistance 🆘 If you suspect exposure to HIV or exhibit symptoms, seek prompt consultation with a healthcare facility. Early treatment can enhance the quality of life and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Let's empower the community through knowledge and HIV/AIDS prevention. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends. 💙🤝 #HIVAIDSEducation #NursesCare #PreventHIV #StayHealthyTogether #EndHIVStigma