HIV and AIDS Education for Healthcare Professionals

Course overview

Since they were first described in 1981, more than a quarter of a century ago, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain a persistent and widespread threat to the health, well-being, and human potential of individuals in the United States and across the globe. Causing fear, guilt, and accusations, weakening the immune system and potentially leading to numerous infections, cancers, or death, HIV and AIDS remain international health issues. They require that healthcare providers be knowledgeable about the complex clinical aspects of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, as well as address ethical, cultural, and empowerment issues, and implement evolving infection control guidelines. The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the incidence of HIV/AIDs, as well as describe symptoms, transmission methods, prevention strategies, testing, counseling, and treatment options available for individuals with HIV/AIDs.