12 Questions
How is HIV primarily spread?
Through sexual contact between infected and uninfected individuals.
What is the main target of HIV in the immune system?
CD4+ T cells.
What is the progression of HIV if left untreated?
It progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
What are opportunistic infections in the context of HIV?
Infections and diseases that take advantage of a weakened immune system.
How do infants usually contract HIV from their mothers?
During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
What symptoms do most people infected with HIV experience within two to six weeks after infection?
Flu-like symptoms known as seroconversion illness.
What are the most effective ways to prevent HIV?
Abstain from sex, be in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, or use condoms.
What is PrEP and how does it prevent HIV?
PrEP is a daily medication that can prevent HIV infection when taken as prescribed.
What is PEP and how does it reduce the risk of HIV transmission?
PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medications that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
What is antiretroviral therapy (ART) and how does it help people living with HIV?
ART is a combination of three or more medications taken daily, which reduces the amount of virus in the body, keeps the immune system strong, and slows the spread of the virus.
What percentage of all people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy in 2020?
68%
Name two essential sources of information about HIV and AIDS.
World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS
Study Notes
HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that attacks cells of the immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells. It progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) if left untreated. As of 2020, there were around 37.9 million people living with HIV globally, and it remains one of the world's most devastating infectious diseases.
What Causes HIV?
HIV is primarily spread through sexual contact between individuals infected with the virus and those who are uninfected. Although condoms can greatly reduce this risk, they do not eliminate it entirely. Oral sex carries less risk than vaginal or anal intercourse. Transmission also occurs when blood from someone with the virus enters another person's body due to sharing needles, receiving transfusions with contaminated blood, or being accidentally stuck by a needle used on someone else. In rare cases, infants can contract HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
How HIV Becomes AIDS and Complications
Most people infected with HIV experience flu-like symptoms within two to six weeks after infection, known as seroconversion illness. Over time, the virus weakens the immune system, leading to a higher risk of infections and diseases that would normally be easily fought off by the body. These are called opportunistic infections and may include tuberculosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, and toxoplasmosis. Eventually, the immune system becomes so weakened that it can no longer fight off these infections, leading to the diagnosis of AIDS.
How to Prevent HIV
The most effective ways to prevent HIV are to abstain from sex, be in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, or use condoms. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily medication that can prevent HIV infection when taken as prescribed. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of HIV medications that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Treatment and Care
HIV is currently a manageable condition, allowing people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of three or more medications taken daily, which reduces the amount of virus in the body, keeps the immune system strong, and slows the spread of the virus. In 2020, 68% of all people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Resources and Support
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS are essential sources of information about HIV and AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources and information specifically for the United States. International organizations like the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria work to support countries in implementing HIV-related activities.
Learn about the causes, progression, prevention, and treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Understand how HIV is transmitted, its impact on the immune system, and the available prevention methods and care options.
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