HIV

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This particular virus is considered potentially deadly due to the fact that it causes the medical condition known as AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In the year of 1985, this particular virus was discovered.

Upon further investigation of the virus, it was found that it could be successfully transmitted from one person to another through the exchange or transmission of fluids that are part of the body. Naturally, the fluids from at least one person would have to be infected with HIV in order to transmit the virus to another individual.

There are many different body fluids that may transmit HIV from one person to another. These include blood from any part of the body, semen from men, secretions from the vagina in women, and even milk that is emitted from the breasts. Individuals may become subjected to these fluids in several different ways.

While the most common means of transmission is sexual contact, many may acquire the virus though the means of a transfusion of blood, or by sharing needles that inject medication and/or illicit street drugs into the body with an individual that is infected. Children that are born to infected women could acquire the virus during the birthing process. It is also a fact that if a child feeds from the breasts of an infected mother, they may contract HIV.

HIV is known for damaging the immune system of the body in many different ways. Naturally, as the immune system becomes suppressed, the natural defenses of the body become weak or completely nonexistent.

HIV has the capability of multiplying by attaching themselves to what is known as "CD4 Cells". Once attached, the virus literally injects that particular cell with special proteins that define its chemical makeup. This process continues and the virus spreads rapidly. In the last stages of the virus, AIDS develops.