According to Evian (2006), HIV stands for human
immunodeficiency virus. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Unlike some other viruses, the human
body cannot get rid of HIV completely. HIV attacks the body’s immune system,
specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off
infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in
the body, making the person more likely to get infections or infection-related
cancers.
immunodeficiency virus. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Unlike some other viruses, the human
body cannot get rid of HIV completely. HIV attacks the body’s immune system,
specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off
infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in
the body, making the person more likely to get infections or infection-related
cancers.
Gallo (2006) stated that over time, HIV can
destroy so many of the CD4 cells to a level that the body cannot fight off
infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take
advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the
last state of HIV infection.
destroy so many of the CD4 cells to a level that the body cannot fight off
infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take
advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the
last state of HIV infection.
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, and not everyone who has
HIV advances to this stage (Sharp & Hahn, 2011). AIDS is the stage of
infection that occurs when the immune system is badly damaged and the infected
person become vulnerable to opportunistic infections. This usually occurs when the number of your CD4
cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3),
the individual is considered to have progressed to AIDS. (Normal CD4 counts are
between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.) (Harden, 2012).
syndrome. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, and not everyone who has
HIV advances to this stage (Sharp & Hahn, 2011). AIDS is the stage of
infection that occurs when the immune system is badly damaged and the infected
person become vulnerable to opportunistic infections. This usually occurs when the number of your CD4
cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3),
the individual is considered to have progressed to AIDS. (Normal CD4 counts are
between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.) (Harden, 2012).
References
Evian, C. (2006). Primary
HIV/AIDS care: a practical guide for primary health care personnel in a
clinical and supportive setting (Updated 4th ed.). Houghton: Jacana
HIV/AIDS care: a practical guide for primary health care personnel in a
clinical and supportive setting (Updated 4th ed.). Houghton: Jacana
Gallo, M. F. (2006). A review of the effectiveness and
acceptability of the female condom for dual protection.
Sexual health, 9 (1), 18–26.
acceptability of the female condom for dual protection.
Sexual health, 9 (1), 18–26.
Harden, V. A. (2012).
AIDS at 30: A History. London: Potomac Books Inc.
AIDS at 30: A History. London: Potomac Books Inc.
Sharp, P. M. &
Hahn, B. H. (2011). Origins
of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic. Cold Spring Harbor
perspectives in medicine, 1 (1),
a006841.
Hahn, B. H. (2011). Origins
of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic. Cold Spring Harbor
perspectives in medicine, 1 (1),
a006841.