Human Immunodeficiency Virus In The 1920's

In the 1920’s, the first know introduction of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in our society has been discovered in Kinshasa, now called the Dominican Republic of Congo (Avert.org). Years later, HIV/AIDS is still considered a global issue and continues being considered a wicked problem in our global community. There are many theories from where the virus had come from. The advancement of technology and resources has provided an increased knowledge on the matter throughout the years. Present day, abstinence is the best way to avoid contracting the virus since it cannot be spread from airborne activity and physical contact. Our society works systemically in many ways in order to prevent, treat

HIV-1 and HIV-2 are both viruses that attack the human immune system, but are contracted differently. Research shows that the strain HIV-1 was contracted from chimpanzees compared to HIV-2 which was contracted from sooty mangabeys (avert.org). Globally, “more than 90% of HIV infections are of the HIV-1 strain” (Madden, 2011). If one has contracted the HIV virus and does not seek medical attention, the introduction of other infections and diseases, including AIDS can occur. As mentioned earlier, HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system of humans. By this occurring, white blood cells that are significant in fighting off infection are being destroyed. Initially, this makes the human body susceptible and vulnerable to contracting new infections and diseases. There are three stages in which the HIV virus goes through in order to develop into AIDS. These three stages include: acute HIV infection, clinical latency and then AIDS. Stage one of the infection occurs two to four weeks after contracting the virus. In most cases, flu like symptoms will occur as the body’s response to the virus. The second stage of the HIV virus, victims will show little to any symptoms of the virus. The virus is continuing to reproduce, but at a slower rate compared to stage one. In the final stage of the HIV infection, one’s immune system is already in a severe state and the body is extremely vulnerable to infection. Without treatment in stage three of the HIV virus, one typically is given an average of two to three