Know the Basics about AIDS
HIV Infection in Plain English
The History of Aids
Most of us know that full-blown AIDS is epidemic in every country in the world. Over a million people
throughout the world have been infected with the HIV virus, which is the forerunner of AIDS. What is needed
is a source which explains hiv infection in plain english. The disease has been especially devastating for
minorities and in the country of Africa. Fortunately there are many countries contributing to relief for
aids in Africa at this time. It is the forgotten countries that new focus must be placed upon. Women who have HIV
and spreading the virus to their unborn children is on the rise and the world is seeing many more children born
with the potential for developing AIDS. This sad fact has been brought to the world’s attention by many
famous people with hiv or aids who are working to help these underdeveloped countries like Africa in their fight
against HIV and AIDS.
HIV Infection in Plain English
Let us start with a little of The History of Aids. You should already know the difference between HIV and
AIDS. HIV is a subgroup of retroviruses that cause AIDS. The virus kills cells in the body’s immune
system and progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections. This inability to fight off
infections also affects some cancers too. HIV gradually gets worse until the body is no longer able to fight
off the infections and other bacteria that would normally not make people sick. These opportunistic
infections will attack the body and could be potentially life threatening. Research into antiviral drugs and
hiv and aids continues on, only making slow strides
AIDS is the acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It was first recognized in New York City in
1981. The virus was isolated and identified in 1983, but it wasn’t until 1985 that a diagnostic test was
developed to test for the disease.
Research on the HIV virus and the disease of AIDS has been continuing since the early 1980’s. The epidemic
is growing and scientists and researchers are constantly working on vaccines and new therapies for AIDS and other
HIV associated conditions. There are over 30 HIV vaccines are being tested on humans and there are many other
drugs for HIV or AIDS related infections are still being developed and tested by major laboratories.
Researchers are still trying to trace how the disease progresses and how it damages the immune system.
Did You Know?
|
The best and most certain way of not getting HIV or AIDS is to avoid contact with body fluids
from an infected person. Contact can occur during homosexual or heterosexual activity. Body fluids
find an opening in the body and the infection is passed to another person. The virus can get into
the vagina, anus, mouth, and eyes.
A person with an open cut or wound can allow the virus into their body. If you are in the
medical profession, it is urgent you take precautions while handling patients. Gloves, masks, and
goggles are necessary to protect from accidental infection of the HIV virus.
Research on the HIV virus and the disease of AIDS has been continuing since the early 1980’s.
The epidemic is growing and scientists and researchers are constantly working on vaccines and new
therapies for AIDS and other HIV associated conditions. There are over 30 HIV vaccines are being
tested on humans and there are many other drugs such as, antiviral drugs and hiv and aids related
infections are still being developed and tested by major laboratories. Researchers are still trying
to trace how the disease progresses and how it damages the immune system.
|
Researchers are trying to develop a chemical that can be used during sex as a barrier to passing on the
disease. Educating the population of the world to the dangers of HIV and AIDS and ways to prevent
transmission of the disease is one of the key ways to prevent the spread of this terrible disease. Education
about the dangers of the AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases is needed to help people change their
behavior and do more to protect themselves from this life threatening disease.
Research continues and current preventive methods are not enough to curb the epidemic. Many more countries
around the world need to commit to set up strategies to both treat and to prevent HIV infection and the more
serious AIDS disease. The AIDS problem throughout the world is a problem we all should be aware of. You
never know if this terrible disease will affect your family. It can strike anywhere, anytime. The HIV
virus and AIDS does not discriminate between race and class. Many Famous People with hiv or aids have come
forward ackwoledging that they have the disease and only goes to prove that we all can be at risk if we
do not take preventive measures.
|