HIV/AIDS

Current Pandemics

What is HIV/AIDS?
First discovered in 1981, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly knowns as AIDS, is a deadly virus that attacks human cells that help the body fight off infections. This means that a person who contract HIV become more susceptible to other infections. If HIV is left untreated, it results in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly known as AIDS. AIDS is known as the late stage of HIV infections and occurs because the body is too damaged and can no longer fight off infections. There are three stages in HIV progression:


 * Stage 1: acute stage; occurs the first few weeks after transmission
 * Stage 2: clinical latency, or chronic stage
 * Stage 3: development of AIDS

HIV Transmission & Prevention
The transmission of HIV occurs through bodily fluids and does not infect others through air, water, or through casual contact. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. In order to decrease your chances of contracting this virus, it is important to practice safe sex and get tested by medical professionals.

HIV/AIDS Treatment
HIV is a lifelong condition and there is currently no cure. However, with medical care and antiretroviral therapy, it is possible to manage HIV. Undergoing antiretroviral therapy can result in HIV patients living long lives and can help prevent the spread of the virus. Without treatment, a person living with HIV can contract AIDS and this results in a life expectancy of approximately 3 years.

Death Toll
As of 2018, it was estimated that 37.9 million people were living with HIV and 770,000 individuals died from AIDS related illnesses. The WHO has implemented practices to try and reduce the spread. Data has suggested that there is a 40% drop in new cases of HIV since 1997, this means actions taken to slow the spread have been taken. Unless a cure is developed, the death toll will continue to rise.