Understanding the AIDS Virus - HIV 101

Two decades ago, an AIDS diagnosis usually meant death would soon follow. The AIDS virus was killing everyone in its path. But today, thanks to the development of HIV medications, people are no longer dying from AIDS they are living with HIV. To live a productive, healthy life with HIV, one must learn as much as possible about the disease; they must at least understand HIV basics or as some call it HIV 101. Knowledge is power, and never has that been more true than when dealing with HIV and the AIDS virus. Here are some common questions about the biology of HIV with easy to understand answers.

What is HIV?

In 1985, scientists discovered the HIV virus and concluded that it was the cause of AIDS. While it is often referred to as the AIDS virus, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through the exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk. The most common way exposure to bodily fluids occur is through sexual contact but HIV can also be transmitted by exposure to infected blood through transfusions, sharing needles to inject drugs, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or while breast feeding.

The HIV Timeline

What Behavior Exposes You to the Most Risk?

Is HIV and AIDS the same?

HIV and AIDS are not the same. HIV or the AIDS virus as it is sometimes referred damages the the immune system making a person at risk for infections and illnesses considered AIDS defining. People who have HIV and contract one of the AIDS defining illnesses is said to have AIDS. A person can be infected for years without having AIDS. Having HIV infection does not mean you have AIDS.

What is the connection between HIV and AIDS?

What Are the AIDS Defining Illnesses?

How does HIV multiply?

Once inside the body the virus attacks specialized cells of the immune system called T-cells. The virus attaches to these T-cells and begins infecting them by injecting HIV proteins (DNA and RNA) in order to reproduce. New AIDS virus then infects other T-cells as the cycle repeats itself.

The HIV Life Cycle

Understanding HIV Replication

How does HIV harm the body?

As HIV reproduces, the T-cells are damaged and become unable to perform their role as protectors as part of the immune system. As this process continues, the body's immune system weakens and the HIV infected person becomes ever more susceptible to a score of different infections, all capable of making the person sick and in extreme cases can lead to death. These opportunistic infections take advantage of a weakened immune system, thus the name opportunistic.

Details About the Opportunistic Infections

Can the Virus Be Stopped?

While there is no cure for HIV, medications are available that interferes with virus replication, which in turn helps preserve the health and function of the immune system. A healthy immune system is able to fight off those opportunistic infections and AIDS defining illnesses.

Important Warning!
HIV medications can't rid the body entirely of HIV. People can still infect others even when they are taking HIV medications so safer sex precautions in the form of condoms are a must with each anal, vaginal, or oral sexual contact.

HIV Medication Fact Sheets

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