Final answer:
The statement that all full-blown AIDS cases are reportable by that person anonymously is False; healthcare providers carry out reporting. HIV, which causes AIDS, is in an early stage when a patient's CD4 T cell count is 700/μL without illness, and condoms reduce but do not eliminate the risk of HIV transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the statement 'All full-blown AIDS cases are reportable by that person anonymously', the answer is False. While reporting practices may vary by region, in general, healthcare providers and laboratories are responsible for reporting cases of AIDS to public health authorities, not the patients themselves. This is done to ensure appropriate public health measures and support for the patient.
HIV/AIDS Definitions and Stages
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which directly causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV causes AIDS, but it is not accurate to say that AIDS causes HIV; HIV infection precedes AIDS. When it comes to the stages of HIV infection, a patient with a CD4 T cell count of 700/μL without any apparent illness would be in stage 1 (A), which is an early stage of HIV infection.
The term 'viral load' refers to the amount of HIV virus present in a blood sample. It is a critical factor in managing HIV infection. Higher viral loads typically indicate a more significant risk of HIV transmission and progression to AIDS.
Understanding Transmission and Prevention
It's vital to dispel myths around HIV/AIDS transmission. Only individuals who are infected can transmit HIV, and it can be spread through both heterosexual and homosexual contacts. Using condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, no method is 100% effective. Two STIs that often go unnoticed due to mild or no symptoms include chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Treatment and Opportunistic Diseases
Antifungal medications do not reduce the viral load in HIV patients. Instead, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment to manage viral load. People with AIDS are susceptible to opportunistic diseases, which are typically the immediate cause of death.