The Epidemic Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus - 2912 Words

What are scientists trying to doing to treat HIV? The Problem: The epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus began in the early 1980’s and was thought to be a homosexual related disease, as only homosexuals where reported as having the virus during the early stages of discovering HIV/AIDS. It’s believed that a virus similar to HIV first occurred in some populations of chimpanzees in Africa, the virus crossed species by exposure of body fluids mixing, during butchering or cooking of the animals(2). Today over 78 million people are reported to have been infected with HIV, in 2012, AIDS-related illnesses were the 6th leading cause of death globally (3). HIV is an epidemic throughout all corners of the Earth, an estimated 35 million people were living with HIV globally at the end of 2013 according UNAIDS, and approximately 1.7 million People die of AIDS annually. There are so many reported cases of HIV/AIDS around the world, because it is so easily transmitted between individuals; HIV is transmitted through the mixing of body fluids via sexual intercourse, use of un sanitized medical equipment, during birth and while breast feeding. HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, which is a specific type of white blood cell that plays a major role in helping your body fight disease. Your immune system weakens as more CD4 cells are killed. You can have an HIV infection for years before it progresses to AIDS (4). HIV also uses the CD4 cell to multiply, as shown on figureShow MoreRelatedThe Epidemic Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus1454 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus is one of the growing illnesses becoming very common today. The acronym for this virus is HIV. More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV and almost 1 out of 8 are unaware of this infection. There are over 50,000 new infections per year. It has impacted our society greatly. In 2010, President Obama made the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. It really affects the youth of the African American culture especially men who have sex with men. By race, AfricanRead MoreThe Epidemic Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Essay1035 Words   |  5 Pageshundred year, Human Immunodeficiency Virus has existed on the face of the earth. It is a virus to the human body transmitted from one person to another though physical contact such as sexually, breast feeding, needles, body fluids, etc. It has been one the world’s number one health issues. Millions of people have been effected by this virus and the number of the infected a year continues to grow, drastically! Sadly, after years of research there is still no cure for this deadly virus. Just how manyRead MoreApplying Public Health Principles For The Hiv Epidemic923 Words   |  4 PagesPublic Health Principles to the HIV Epidemic In the article â€Å"Applying public health principles to the (HIV) epidemic† I learned that the HIV virus is spread by people who do not know that they are infected. This article argues that it is time to find a comprehensive public health method that will help stopped this epidemic from spreading even more. This article also talks about the ways HV is transmitted and what can we do to protect ourselves from this virus. It took two decades for the UnitedRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1359 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus has infected two million adults and children by the year 2005 already. The virus continues to race around the world, and new HIV infections are at 50,000 per year (Martine Peeters, Matthieu Jung, Ahidjo Ayouba) (2013). The final outcome of the HIV infection is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are many treatments that have developed to help the large numberRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus, Also Known As Hiv, Continuous1519 Words   |  7 PagesHuman immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, continuous to be an epidemic crisis. HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.Unlike other viruses once HIV is acquired the human body can not get rid of it. Sub Saharan Africa is currently the most affected region for HIV/AIDS, Men in the region seem to be the most affected. There is currently no cure for HIV, however there is possible treatment, as well as ways one can prevent developing the virus. HIV/AIDS continousRead MoreCommunicable Disease934 Words   |  4 PagesPrevention). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that slowly destroys the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a communicable disease transmitted through, semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance in helping control the human immunodeficiencyRead MoreSocial Services During Sub Saharan Africa951 Words   |  4 PagesSocial Services Provided in Sub-Saharan Africa have had a Positive Impact on People Infected and Affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Summary Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a disease that has evolved over time into an epidemic. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region of the world with the highest population of infected individuals and some of the lowest access to resources needed provide preventative education, treatment, and support for the disease. This study examines five studies conductedRead MoreAids1204 Words   |  5 PagesAccording to Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration by George D. Pozgar, the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a fatal disease that destroys the body’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is considered to be the deadliest epidemic in human history with the first case being reported in 1981. It has been estimated that more than 21 million people have died from AIDS. (Pozgar, 2012, p. 353 364) AIDS is a collectionRead MoreHiv And The Immune System948 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is HIV HIV , stands for human immunodeficiency virus, it is a virus that attacks the immune system, the immune system protects the body against infection and illness .If the body does not have a strong immune system, It may not be able fight off disease. The virus and the infection it causes are termed HIV. White blood cells are the part of the immune system that is important as far as fighting off infection. When a person catches HIV it infects and destroys certain white blood cells calledRead MoreModern Day Methods Of Contracting1113 Words   |  5 Pagesthe SIV virus from these non-human primates is discussed as well. As a result of these transmissions, the human immunodeficiency virus is brought to life. In this paper, this virus and its journey throughout history will be explained. Also, HIV and the different subfields this virus can be classified in are discussed throughout the research. As well as the where this virus was contracted, about the time when, and how it was possible . Also, the modern day methods of contracting this virus are listed