About Human Immunodeficiency Virus
By F1 Fan on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV
It was known as GRID (gay-related immune deficiency) in the early 1980s before the virus was fully understood.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells) that help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and diseases. This advanced stage of HIV infection is called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV spreads through certain body fluids, most commonly during unprotected sex or by sharing injection drug equipment. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. HIV cannot be spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food and drinks.
Symptoms and Management
When someone first gets HIV, they might feel like they have the flu, though many people have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, the virus weakens the immune system over time. However, with proper medical care, HIV is a manageable chronic condition. People with HIV who take medicine as prescribed can live long, healthy lives and have effectively no risk of passing HIV to others through sex (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U).
Treatment and Prevention
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): While there is no cure, ART keeps the viral load very low, protecting the immune system and preventing the progression to AIDS.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A medicine taken by people at risk for HIV to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Medicine taken after a potential exposure to HIV to prevent becoming infected.
Harm Reduction: Using condoms consistently and utilizing sterile injection equipment are essential prevention strategies.
Trend
In the United States: Approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV. About 13% of them are unaware of their status and need testing.
Recent Statistics: Estimated new HIV infections decreased by approximately 12% between 2018 and 2022. In 2022, there were an estimated 31,800 new infections in the U.S.
Projections: While new infections are generally decreasing due to expanded PrEP use and viral suppression, certain groups continue to be disproportionately affected, including gay and bisexual men and racial/ethnic minority communities.
History
HIV was first identified in 1981 after clusters of rare infections were found in young gay men. Initially called GRID, the condition was renamed AIDS in 1982, and the virus itself was identified in 1983. While early diagnoses were often terminal, the 1987 approval of AZT and the 1996 introduction of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) transformed the outlook for patients. Public figures like Rock Hudson and Magic Johnson played significant roles in increasing global awareness and reducing stigma.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Source of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.