Question
What is Human immunodeficiency virus
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in helping the body fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the immune system becomes severely weakened, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
HIV is primarily transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus
- From mother to child during childbirth or through breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood (though this is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening).
There is currently no cure for HIV, but it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps control the virus, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maintaining health and preventing the progression to AIDS.
Preventative measures, such as safe sex practices, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and regular testing, are important strategies for reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
HIV is primarily transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus
- From mother to child during childbirth or through breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood (though this is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening).
There is currently no cure for HIV, but it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps control the virus, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maintaining health and preventing the progression to AIDS.
Preventative measures, such as safe sex practices, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and regular testing, are important strategies for reducing the risk of HIV transmission.