Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Introduction

With the progression and advancement in medical sciences, HIV caused infection and AIDS have declined to a considerable level which is a big achievement for health and sciences. The extraordinary advancement in the field with the implementations of interventions and treatment, control over the virus has become possible if not eradicated completely.

HIV was discovered 30 years back, and was considered to be a dreadful disease with no cure. But science has its own ways to progress and overcome challenges to provide best possible care and health to people in the world. Today through the treatment of HAART and other awareness it has become possible to control the disease to a certain level.

Discussion

History of HIV

In 1981, five men were found to have unknown infection in which their immune system stopped working. Before the report was made public two of the infected patients died. Later in the year of 1983 the infection was as AIDS that was caused due to the virus of HIV which stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The disease originated in Sub Saharan Africa in non-human primates and later in late 19th century was transferred in humans. HIV affects the immune system and the bodies become susceptible to different diseases and infections. HIV causes HIV infection in humans that at later stage converts into AIDS which till date is an incurable disease.

Symptoms of HIV

HIV is a virus that takes 10 years to present its symptoms in a person. The symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of weight, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, armpits and groins. Oral yeast infection is common in patients. Every 10% loss in the weight of infected patients is a result of wasting syndrome. Enlargement of spleen or liver occurs at a later stage of infection. Skin problems can arise due to infection which is said to be a common issue in patients with HIV (WebMD, 2011).

Decline in Mortality Due To HIV

An increase in the treatment of HIV infection has been noticed between the years of 2009 and 2011. This has decreased the rate of deaths due to HIV infection worldwide. Approximately 1.7 million HIV positive women with pregnancy have been treated to prevent the prevalence of infection to the fetus.

Worldwide Statistics of HIV

By the end of 2011, approximately 34 million people were living with AIDS worldwide. In 2011, nearly 2.5 million people got newly infected with ...