what is HIV?

Question

SO I HEARD OF HIV AND I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT LIKE WHAT IS HIV? HOW DO U DEAL WITH IT? HOW DO U GET IT?AND WHY AND MUCH MORE I JUST WANNA LEARN ABOUT IT

Answer 1

HIV is a virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, that eventually will lead to AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The virus is transmitted through semen, blood, breast milk, and/or vaginal fluids. You can become infected with the virus through unprotected (not using a condom/rubber) sexual contact - sex without a condom, either vaginally, anally, or orally or by sharing needles with an infected needle-drug user. It can also be transmitted from mother to unborn infant, although if the mother knows she has the virus and is under medical care, the baby may be born uninfected.

There is no cure for this virus yet, although scientists have been trying to work on one since it was identified in 1981. There are many medicines now available to treat the virus, and with proper medical care, the onset of AIDS can be delayed indefinitely.

There are many places where you can learn about the virus on the Internet. Check out
http://www.thebody.com/ for some great information. For a time line of HIV/AIDS, check out http://www.kff.org/hivaids/timeline/hivtimeline.cfm.

If you'd rather talk to someone about HIV/AIDS instead of reading about it, there's a 24-hour hot-line that is staffed by knowledgeable folks. You can call (800) 367-AIDS.

Answer 2

HIV is a virus that suppresses your immune system. That means, it makes it very easy for someone to get sick because their body has no way of fighting off different germs and viruses. This virus is spread through bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. There are certain meds out there now that actually put the hiv virus in dormancy, and people with HIV can live a normal life expectancy. The only down side is that they are so expensive, that only rich people can afford them (like Magic Johnson).

HIV was gotten from monkeys in Africa. Sounds gross, I know, but it is true. Monkeys are actually "immune" from the effects of the virus, and so they made great carriers of it. Then, humans came in contact with the monkeys that had it in Africa, and started spreading it to the rest of the world.

Answer 3

You need to learn about it so you will not contact it. It is spread from having sex with one person who has it and not using condoms for protection. You also can get infected from drug use and sharing needles. Helping an injury because of trauma that causes bleeding or bleeding from a person who is infected with it and not wearing latex gloves can put you at risk. This is why you see paramedics, police officers, healthcare professionals wear them while attending injured person/s. Also there have been people bitten by a person who was HIV/AID infected, and this is also dangerous.

Answer 4

http://health.yahoo.com/topic/hiv/