HIV Essay - 2213 Words

The HIV virus is a complex mix of various epidemics within several countries and regions of the world. It is unquestionably the most crucial public-health crisis of our time. Research has extended our understanding of how the virus reproduces, controls, and hides in a contaminated person. Even though our perception of pathogenesis and transmission of the virus has become more refined and prevention options have lengthened, a cure or protective vaccine remains intangible. In 1981, The New York Times published a detailed article about an outbreak of an unusual form of cancer among gay men in New York and California. It was primarily referred to as the â€Å"gay cancer†, but medically known as Kaposi Sarcoma. Around the same time, emergency†¦show more content†¦Over decades, the virus gradually spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has spread to every country in the world and has infected 59 million persons worldwide, including 20 million who have already died. CDC estimates that about 56,000 people in the United States contracted HIV in 2006 (1). HIV is the virus that leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. In terms of fatalities, with more than 35 million deaths, the AIDS epidemic now ranks alongside the influenza pandemic of the early 1900s and the Bubonic plague of the fourteenth century(4). Many people dont have any indication of the virus when they first become infected with HIV. Some have flu-like signs, called HIV sero-conversion syndrome, a month or two after exposure to the virus. This illness may cause a variety of symptoms, as well as, diarrhea, enlarged liver or spleen, fever, enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, neurologic symptoms, rash on the abdomen, arms and legs and face, sore throat, and thrush, a common fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus (8). These symptoms typically disappear in a week to a month and may beShow MoreRelatedHiv : Hiv And Hiv2192 Words   |  9 PagesThe number of individuals in South Africa infected with HIV is larger than in any other single country in the world. The 2007 UNAIDS report estimated that 5,700,000 South Africans had HIV/AIDS, or just under 12% of South Africa s population of 48 million. In the adult population the rate is 18.5%. Page 2 HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s the virus that causes HIV infection. The human immunodeficiency virus causes HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDSRead MoreHiv And Its Effects On Hiv Essay1528 Words   |  7 Pagesthere are good happenings in life, there are bad happenings as well. Overtime there have been new diseases and viruses that strike us unexpectedly and for the worst. One of the many epidemic viruses that shook our world was the virus known as HIV. When the virus HIV first hit the globe it was horrifying and everyone around the world was petrified for his or her life. For instance, folks believed it would be another plaque sequence where many people died like the drop of a dime. In fact, the virus wasRead MoreHiv And The Transmission Of Hiv1354 Words   |  6 PagesEpidemiology: HIV is known to be transmitted through blood products, semen and vaginal secretions, making the transmission of HIV infection most commonly through sexual contact and IV drug use. HIV can enter the body through contact with the bloodstream or by passing through delicate mucous membranes, such as inside the vagina, rectum or urethra (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV/AIDS, 2015). The transmission routes for HIV make unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partnerRead MoreHiv And The Hiv Epidemic1129 Words   |  5 Pageseventually dying alone due to an unwillingness to report their illness for fear of consequence or prejudice, and this allowed the HIV virus flourish. Several countries responded efficiently and effectively to the presence of the HIV virus in their midst, while other countries maintained an attitude of ignorance. The latter position contributed to a huge expanse of the HIV epidemic in some countries, namely South Africa and Iran. In contrast, those countries that effectively addressed and managed theRead MoreHiv And The Treatment Of Hiv1510 Words   |  7 PagesIntro: There have been 30 drugs approved to treat Hiv, but currently there are no cures for this virus. The treatment for Hiv can help people live with the virus while taking care of your physical, mental health, and overall well being. Starting treatment as soon as possible it can help your health circumstances and strengthen your immune system. Getting tested for HIV is very important to decrease the spread of the virus and save many lives. Getting tested to know your status in order to avoidRead MoreHiv And Its Effects On Hiv964 Words   |  4 Pages HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it.† (Diana, 1987) Princess Diana declared these words at an Aids Center in London as she sat on the bed of a patient and held his hand. She did this to destroy the notion that a majority of the population believed that the virus could be spread through casual contact (Thompson, 2007). HIV remains for human immunodeficiency infection. The infection can lead to acquired immunodeficiencyRead MoreThe Epidemic Of Hiv And Hiv1361 Words   |  6 PagesThe first cases of AIDS that were reported in the United States began in the early 1980s. Today, more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV. In response to this HIV epidemic, at least 35 states have implemented HIV-specific criminal laws that penalize HIV-positive people for exposing others to the vi rus. These laws impose criminal penalties to HIV positive people that knowingly and potentially expose others to the virus. The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, also knownRead MoreHiv Epidemic : Hiv And Hiv1781 Words   |  8 PagesSince its identification approximately two decades ago, HIV has increasingly spread globally, surpassing expectations (1). The number of people living with HIV worldwide is estimated to be 36 million, with 20 million people having died from the disease, giving a total number of 56 million being infected (1). In 2000 alone, 5.3 million people were infected with HIV and there is potential for further spread. HIV infection rates vary all over the world with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan AfricaRead MoreHiv And The Prevalence Of Hiv Essay1092 Words   |  5 Pages HIV In Adolescents Shavon Q Frasier Delaware Technical and Community College Abstract According to the CDC, In the United States the prevalence of HIV in adolescents from age 13-24 is estimated to account for 22% of all new cases (cdc.gov 2016). Of those cases, the most new cases occurred among gay and bisexual males. Furthermore young African American and Latino gay and bisexual males have been affected in higher numbers than any other group. Addressing HIV in our youth entailsRead MoreHiv And Aids : Hiv / Aids Essay924 Words   |  4 Pages2.1 HIV/AIDS HIV is a latent virus that attacks and compromises the immune system and exposes the body to diseases and infections. AIDS is a disease of the immune system caused by a retrovirus known as HIV that makes the individual highly vulnerable to life threatening infections and diseases such as TB (FANTA, 2004). 2.1.1 TRANSMISSION OF HIV According to FANTA, there are three primary routes of HIV transmission; 1) Unprotected sex with a person carrying the HIV virus. 2) Transfusion of contaminated