L 7: HIV + COVID-19

Cytokine Storm

Excessive immune activation causing multi-organ dysfunction

COVID-19 Preventative Measures

Social distancing, masks, and vaccinations

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Shift

From threat-based persuasion to biopsychosocial factors to increase uptake

Health Psychology & Public Health

Understanding behaviors, designing interventions, and addressing misinformation to improve health outcomes

HIV

Infects and destroys CD4 helper T cells, weakening immune response

AIDS

Occurs when an HIV-positive individual develops major opportunistic infections or has a CD4 count

HIV Transmission Routes

Sexual activity, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during birth

95-95-95 Goal

95% diagnosed, 95% on treatment, 95% virally suppressed

cART (Combination Antiretroviral Therapy)

Mix of 3+ drugs to suppress viral replication

Syndemic Theory

HIV risk is influenced by social factors like poverty, racism, and marginalization

HIV Stigma & Psychosocial Impact

Stigma, depression, low condom use, and misinformation affect testing, treatment, and prevention

HIV Progression Stages

Primary infection (flu-like symptoms) → Latent period (asymptomatic) → AIDS-related complex (chronic symptoms) → Severe immune impairment (high risk of infections)