HIV
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HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that targets the immune system and weakens people's defense systems against infections and some types of cancer. A severely weakened immune system increases an individual's risk for developing life-threatening health issues, such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
What is HIV?
HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system. Unlike most viruses, which hijack healthy cells and use them to make copies of themselves, HIV attacks immune cells called CD4 cells (also known as T-helper cells). CD4 cells are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the body's ability to fight off infections.
HIV reproduces inside CD4 cells, using their machinery to make copies of itself. In the process, it destroys the CD4 cells, leading to a decline in their number. As the number of CD4 cells decreases, the immune system becomes weaker, making the infected person more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the vagina, anus, or mouth, or through damaged skin. The most common modes of HIV transmission include:
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person
- Receiving infected blood transfusions or organ transplants (though this is now extremely rare due to rigorous screening)
- From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
