HIV and AIDS Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HIV and AIDS - Research Paper Example The HIV takes control of the white cells once inside to make it function as a manufacturing base for viruses instead or the CD4+ T cells, hence lowering the immune system while increasing the viral load in the blood. The HIV and AIDs has no cure and people should focus on working towards suppressing the HIV mutation and not be overwhelmed by existing myths of cure. There are several means of transmission, distinguished into blood exposure, child delivery and breast feeding, and sexual contact among others, except the confusing beliefs. HIV infection develops into 4 stages before transforming into AIDs; they are both related diseases that could be treated from further advancement by prevention means, for the victim to live a longer healthier life. Keywords: HIV, Aids, CD4+ T Cells, Viral Load, Victim, Opportunistic Illnesses, Transmission, Blood Contact, Sexual Intercourse, Virus, Prevention, Treatment, Antiretroviral, CD4 Counts Introduction HIV and AIDs has been one critical health concern area that clinical and scientific researchers have invested resources in and continue to make progress in research. It is no longer a national agenda, but the effects of the disease have called for global governance to assist in preventing further spread. Until now, there are many people who do not seem to get the concept between the two diseases, and as a result, several myths have been coined within the social settings, some inflicting fear, discouragement, and stigmatization. HIV stands for Human immunodeficiency virus, while AIDs is Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; the two diseases are related and known to destroy part of the immune system, specifically the white blood cell (T lymphocyte), cells that are concerned in fighting diseases and germs in the body ( â€Å"HIV hurts† 2013, para. 1). Through the diseases, many in the global population have been infected and definitely affected as many die leaving orphans and their loved ones unexpectedly. According to em edicinehealth, â€Å"approximately 40 million people are living with HIV infections, and estimated 25 million have died from this disease† (2013, para. 1). They are diseases that spread like a plaque and are known to have no cure, meaning their treatment is just mere prevention of further advancement into dangerous stages. HIV and AIDs history Researchers trace the origin of the diseases in Africa as a transmission from chimpanzees, after the blood contacts of the two animals (chimpanzee and human). The historical means of the African population for survival was through hunting and gathering, hence the blood contact is thought to have occurred either in butchering or hunting for food. AIDs was the first to be detected (around 1981) among people, especially the gay and bisexual men, one being diagnosed to have AIDs after developing some of the opportunistic infections and cancers that were uncommon for people with healthy immune system (Gallant, 2012, p. 16). This means that t he HIV virus was already in the infected people and had developed to advanced stages to be called AIDs; simply because the virus had not yet been discovered to limit its growth and develop treatment. After the discovery of HIV, it became possible to distinguish the two, such that if one is tested and found to have the virus, then he/she is termed