What it means
The late stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV destroys CD4 cells, a type of lymphocyteLIM-foh-syteA type of white blood cell that targets specific germs and abnormal cells, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.Full entry . A person is said to have AIDS when the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or an AIDS-defining illness appears, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma or certain fungal infections. With antiretroviralan-tee-ret-roh-VY-rulA drug used to treat or prevent HIV infection by stopping the virus from multiplying.Full entry therapy, many people with HIV never reach this stage.
For the nurse
Use standard precautions with every client; HIV spreads through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk, not through casual touch. Watch for infections, teach the importance of taking antiretrovirals every day, and protect the client from people who are sick.
At a glance
| Spanish | SIDA (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida) |
|---|---|
| Also written | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, acquired immune deficiency syndrome |
Related terms
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
immunodeficiency
A state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.
lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that targets specific germs and abnormal cells, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.
antiretroviral
A drug used to treat or prevent HIV infection by stopping the virus from multiplying.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.