What is HIV?
The first known case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the U.S. was recorded in 1981. Since then, the virus has escalated into an epidemic and is now the leading cause of death in men ages 25-44 (Holland, 2013). HIV is transmitted through direct exchange of bodily fluids, and once contracted, it is usually fatal.
Despite its deadly effects, the HIV virus is surprisingly simplistic in structure. With only 9 genes producing 15 different proteins, it manages to inject its genetic material into the body’s cells. After successfully entering a cell, the virus will quickly pass through the nuclear membrane and begin integrating its DNA into the genome of the host cell. HIV does not destroy its host cell immediately, but manipulates the cell's own replicating machinery to make more copies of the virus, a characteristic unique to retroviruses. The virus specifically targets cells in the immune system, inhibiting their ability of fight off other diseases (Greene, 2006).
How is it contracted?
HIV is spread through contact with blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk. In the United States, HIV is spread mainly through sexual intercourse or sharing injection drug equipment with someone who is infected. Previously, some people were infected with HIV after receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an HIV-infected donor. But, now that blood and organ donors are more carefully tested, the risk is significantly lower.
HIV is not transmitted by hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with a person infected with HIV. Neither is the disease transmitted through contact with objects such as toilet seats, doorknobs, or dishes used by a person infected with HIV. (AIDSinfo, 2015) Person to person contact with one of the above body fluids is the only way to contract the infection.
THE VIRUS
How can I prevent contracting it?
Anyone can get HIV, but there are certain measures you can take to reduce your risk of contracting it:
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Get tested, and know your partner’s HIV status. Talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before you have sex.
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Have less risky sex. Oral sex is less risky than anal or vaginal sex. Anal sex is the most risky type of sex for the spread of HIV.
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Use condoms. Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
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Limit your number of sexual partners. If you have more than one sexual partner, get tested for HIV regularly. Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and insist that your partners do too. Having an STI can increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV.
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Talk to your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention method that involves taking an HIV medicine every day. PrEP is intended for people who don’t have HIV but who are at high risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection. PrEP should always be combined with other prevention methods, including condom use.
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It is best to avoid injected drugs altogether, but it is absolutely essential that you use sterile drug injection equipment and never share needles with anyone.
How is it treated?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that allow HIV-infected individuals to live with minimal symptoms. Currently, medications can slow the growth of the virus or prevent it from making copies of itself. Although these drugs do not eliminate the virus from the body, they keep the amount of virus in the blood low.
