Understanding HIV – A guide for primary care nurses

The treatment and management of patients with HIV and AIDS has made huge progress, with clinicians now often managing the condition alongside coexisting long terms needs and the frailty of old age. This article provides an insight into Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A brief overview of HIV is offered along with a discussion of the virus, a definition and the basic biology of HIV, its structure and types. The lifecycle of the virus is outlined as well as its impact on the immune system and how HIV affects the body. The importance of HIV testing in early detection and prevention is described. Introduction to ART and its significance is provided.