HIV/AIDS and its Origin
The origin of HIV/AIDS has cme into the media spotlight as we learn of its existence in the human population much early then was orignally thought. This new information came to us by way of DNA analysis of the current HIV virus. Scientists now guess that HIV jump to human populations from monkeys in the early 1900’s. This has gone a long way to finally putting to rest conspiracy theorists who believed that HIV had been transmitted to humans during polio vaccination trials. HIV was transmitted to the human population from monkeys when people who hunted them came in contact with blood from infected animals while butchering them. A number of viruses humans have today have gotten into our population in similar ways including bird flu.
HIV 1 is the more virulent and common of the HIV strains. HIV 1 is the strain that infects most the world and qualifies HIV as a pandemic. HIV II is the less common strain of HIV that is less virulent. HIV 2 is mostly confined to West Africa, and not as prevalent. Both HIV 1 and HIV 2 are transmitted by bodily fluids. This means that prevention of HIV/AIDS will reley on safe and non risky practice. Including using condoms as well as other safe sex practices. AIDS occurs when AIDS/HIV has progressed to the point as to promote opportunistic infections and other AIDS defining illnesses.
As treatments become more available the battle against HIV becomes more viable. Prevention needs to be a central pillar in combating HIV AIDS, as well as aggressive treatment. HAART regimens (combinations of AIDS drugs) are the primary weapon we have and it has been very effective in slowing the progression of HIV. These breakthroughs have been enabling patients to live a longer and healthier life. Another essential element in winning the battle against HIV is education, we need more broad base HIV education. Misinformation and lack of understanding has been a huge contributer to the spread of HIV.