Hiv - the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV/AIDS

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV works by finding and destroying white blood cells that are used to fight off disease. When the HIV weakens the immune system so much that it can no longer fight off the infection, then the HIV is now considered full blown AIDS. Some people may have HIV and it never turn into AIDS, while others may have HIV and it quickly turn into AIDS. Some of the topics I will touch on in the essay are the origin of AIDS, ways of contracting the virus, populations, childbearing with HIV/AIDS, and available medical interventions.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus was first detected in a human in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1959. The first cases in the United States occurred among gay men in the mid to late 70's. In 1983, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus that caused AIDS was discovered. However, the virus was not initially named the human immunodeficiency virus. It was first named human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus. Scientists were now left wondering where did this virus come from and how did a human contract it. Then in 1999, a team of researchers discovered the origination of HIV. Scientist identified chimpanzees from West Africa as the source of the virus. They came to the conclusion that hunters contracted the virus by coming into contact with the blood of infected chimpanzees. So how was it then spread among humans?

There are many misconceptions about how HIV can be transmitted. Many people think that you can get HIV from toilet seats, drinking behind someone, hugging, and other daily activities, this is not true. You also cannot get HIV from mosquitoes. According to the CDC:

HIV can be transmitted when blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. HIV can enter the body through a vein (e.g., injection drug use), the lining of the anus or rectum, the lining of the vagina and/or cervix, the opening to the penis, the mouth, other mucous membranes (e.g., eyes or inside of the nose), or cuts and sores. Intact, healthy skin is an excellent barrier against HIV and other viruses and bacteria.

This means that HIV can be contracted through not only sexual intercourse but through oral sex as well. So why would a person have unprotected sex when they do not know the HIV status of the other person? With the number of HIV cases out there, this is almost like committing suicide. You can also get HIV from a contaminated needle and this may not always mean you are a drug user. Some health care workers are accidentally stuck and contract the virus. It is also possible to get it from a needle while getting a tattoo or body piercing if proper sterile techniques are not followed. If you come into contact with the blood of an HIV patient then