The female AIDS patient

Abstract

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a relatively new disease that is both feared and misunderstood by the lay public and health care providers. While it was once thought that the disease was confined exclusively to gays and intravenous drug abusers, it is now known that the syndrome can be transmitted through heterosexual contact. Women as the victims of AIDS are a new challenge to the health care professional committed to providing high quality care. This article looks at two case studies of females with AIDS in an effort to examine the unique problems associated with these patients and their disease. The ultimate goal of treatment is the eradication of the disease; however, until this is made possible it is vitally important that the health care worker understands the physical and emotional needs of the female AIDS patient.