The rapidity of progression of AIDS to death is speeded up by certain factors:

• infections, even before AIDS develops, accelerate progression of the disease;
• re-infection with the virus through continued unprotected sex is thought to speed up the disease process;
• poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol and other drug use depress immunity (Steinberg et.al., 1999).

TEENAGERS, YOUNG ADULTS AND STREET CHILDREN

Various behavioural and social characteristics of adolescents have been linked to their high HIV-risk status. These include:

• the onset of sexual activity during teen years,
• the probability of multiple partners,
• general non-use or inconsistent use of condoms, and
• the tendency of young people to perceive themselves as both physically and psychologically invulnerable.

These factors enable them to engage in high-risk behaviours. In addition, external risk is thought to originate in the fact that existing health and counseling services are generally neither convenient, appropriate nor attractive to young people (Richter & Swart-Kruger, 1995).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Infections can occur through needlesticks or cuts from sharp instruments contaminated with an infected person’s blood or body fluids, or through contact of the eye, nose, mouth or skin. Most exposures do not result in infection, and the risk varies with the type of exposure and factors, including:

• The amount of blood or body fluid involved;
• The amount of virus in the patients blood;
• Whether post-exposure treatment was taken (GlaxoWellcome, 1999).

REFERENCES

GlaxoWellcome 1999: Information for Health Care Workers – Brochure.

Richter, L.M. & J. Swart-Kruger 1995: AIDS-risk among street children and youth: implications for intervention. South African Journal of Psychology, 25:1, 31-5.