Hiv Paper

HIV/AIDS
Name
University of Phoenix


Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most deadly diseases today. The virus that is responsible for AIDS is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 25-44.   HIV belongs to a subset of viruses called retroviruses or slow virus. The virus infects the lymphocytes. Once the virus infects the lymphocytes, the virus replicates within them and them kill them and spread to others. The lymphocytes normally activate B-cell lymphocytes, and once this is done the body’s immune response is crippled. Once the virus slowly begins to attack the immune system, they kill off the healthy immune cells. The body once it has been crippled is open to infection and tumors. The destruction of the immune function leads to AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV.   There are four stages of HIV and they are as follows:
1.)   The period following the infection is called the window.
            2.) The second sage is call seroconversion. At this stage the body begins to develop lots of antibodies to fight off the virus.
3.) The third stage is called symptom free. During this stage the infected person many not have any symptoms.
4.) The final stage is AIDS. This stage is when the TCELL drop to below 200.
HIV is an infection that leads to AIDS. The difference between HIV and AIDS is HIV is the virus and AIDS is the last stage of the virus. (http://www.essortment.com/all/hivaidsdiffere_pdo.htm)
HIV can be transmitted in many ways. It is transmitted by body fluids, and that includes blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. HIV is also transmitted by unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse. A mother can transmit HIV to her child during birth and while breastfeeding. Individuals also can transmit HIV by sharing needles while using drugs. There was a time that individuals were getting infected blood by a blood transfusion. Today blood is screened. The...