Scribd
Upload
11 views1 page

STS - Essay About HIV

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, leading to a weakened ability to fight infections and potentially progressing to AIDS if untreated. The virus is transmitted through body fluids and can exhibit mild symptoms initially, making regular testing crucial for early detection. While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively manages HIV, allowing individuals to lead healthy lives, and promoting awareness and education about the virus is essential for community support and prevention.

Uploaded by

Samuel Ashworth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views1 page

STS - Essay About HIV

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, leading to a weakened ability to fight infections and potentially progressing to AIDS if untreated. The virus is transmitted through body fluids and can exhibit mild symptoms initially, making regular testing crucial for early detection. While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively manages HIV, allowing individuals to lead healthy lives, and promoting awareness and education about the virus is essential for community support and prevention.

Uploaded by

Samuel Ashworth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.

It infects and destroys cells of the immune


system, making it difficult for the body to fight off other diseases. HIV targets white blood cells called
CD4 cells, or helper T cells. By destroying these cells, the virus causes the white blood cell count to drop,
leaving the immune system weakened and unable to combat infections, even those that wouldn’t
normally cause illness. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of the disease. Although there is currently no cure, HIV can
be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps control the virus, protects the
immune system, and enables individuals living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.

HIV is primarily transmitted through the exchange of certain body fluids, such as blood, semen,
vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission include unprotected sex,
sharing needles, or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding. In the early or acute
stage, symptoms may appear 1 to 4 weeks after exposure and can include fever, sore throat, swollen
lymph nodes, rash, fatigue, and mouth ulcers, though some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms.
During the chronic or asymptomatic stage, a person may feel well for years while the virus continues to
damage the immune system. If not treated, HIV can develop into AIDS, where symptoms become more
severe and may include persistent fatigue, rapid weight loss, chronic diarrhea, night sweats, frequent
infections, skin rashes, and memory issues. Because symptoms can be mild or delayed, regular HIV
testing is essential for early detection and timely treatment.

As a Nationalian, I can help promote awareness about HIV by talking to my friends and
classmates and help clear out any myths about it. I’ll encourage open, free of judgment discussions
about the virus. I can also help share facts about how to prevent HIV, why it’s important to get tested,
and how treatment works. By teaming up with people that are knowledgeable about HIV, I can help build
a community that’s supportive and well-informed about HIV. With this community, it’ll help people to
feel empowered to take care of their health and stand by those with HIV.

You might also like