How is hiv contracted, and what are the treatment options?
hiv is spread during unprotected sex with an infected individual, and it can only be treated if detected within the first few months of being infected.
hiv is spread during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood; it cannot be cured, but early treatment can minimize the long-term consequences.
hiv is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids; there is no cure or safe treatment to reduce the symptoms and consequences of the disease.
hiv is transmitted by sharing drug needles or food with an infected individual; it cannot be cured, but there are experimental medications to minimize the risk of aids.

I believe the correct answer is: HIV is spread during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood; it cannot be cured, but early treatment can minimize the long-term consequences.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a type of virus which causes an impairment of the immune system of the person making them susceptible to diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza and any other disease that can exploit this opportunity. It is spread by a person coming into direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as saliva during deep kissing, semen during intercourse, blood after an accident or even fluids when sharing needles and syringes for drug addicts. There is no cure but the current form of treatment slows down the virus to prevent some consequences.

The virus is enters the body through open wounds or surfaces such as the vagina or mouth where the skin is very thin and can tear. After penetrating the skin, it attaches to specific immune cells called CD8+ T-cells on points called receptors. It then enters the cell and replicates itself in the nucleus of the cell and as it goes out, it kills these immune cells making the person to have a weak immune system. The current drugs used called AntiRetroVirals (ARVs) such as the drug Zidovudin stops the virus from replicating thus reducing the total amount of virus in the body called the Viral Load. Some drugs target enzymes called proteases and reverse transcriptase that help the virus to replicate. This viral load is what is counted to estimate the total volume of HIV someone has in their body. Infected persons should use protection while having sex and also avoid sharing sharp objects to prevent transmission. They also need to take their medication to make them much more healthier in addition to taking proper balanced diets.

Level: High School

Subject: Biology

Topic: The Immune System

The HIV is spread in unprotected sex or through contact with an infected blood. Although it cannot be cured but still the early treatment can reduce the long term consequences.

Further Explanation:

HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus reduces the person's immune system by destroying or damaging the cells which fights with disease and infection. Proper cure for HIV is not there but effective medical care can control it.

There can be different stages of HIV:

1. Stage 1: Acute HIV infection: In acute HIV infection there is high number of virus in the blood and they are very contagious.

2. Stage 2: Clinical latency: It is chronic HIV infection. At this stage, HIV is active however reproduces at a low levels.

3. Stage 3: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: It is very critical stage of HIV infection. Symptoms of AIDS include chills, swollen lymph glands, sweats and weight loss.

Transmission of HIV:

1. Through sexual behavior or by the use needle or syringe. Example certain fluids like blood, rectal fluids, breast milk and pre-seminal fluid.

2. From the mother to child during breast feeding, pregnancy or birth.

3. Receiving blood through the transfusions or the organ transplants

4. Contact through the wounds, skin or broken skin and an infected blood.

HIV can also be converted into HIV superinfection, it occurs when a person with HIV gets infected with another strain of virus. The new strain may live along with the original strain or may replace the old strain. The superinfection can cause people to become sicker faster.

Learn more:

1. Learn more about blood

2. Learn more about disease

3. Learn more about injury

Answer Details:

Grade: Middle school

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Human disease

Keywords:

HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus , immune system, disease, infection, acute HIV infection, Acquired immunodeficiency, AIDS, lymph glands, sexual behavior , pregnancy, birth, organ, transplants, HIV superinfection.

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