Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus. It was first discovered in early 1980s. The HIV virus is best know for targeting the T cells having chances of attacking the cells of the brain, nervous system, digestive system and lymphatic system. Hence the T cells can be referred to as the brain operator of our system, and when these cells are infected our body becomes weak and cannot battle bacteria, cancer, fungi and other parasites, When T cells are infected with HIV it kills the strength of a human progressive and recovery system.

Once HIV infects your T cells then it works like a factory reproducing itself to grow the virus inside the body, which eventually results in the virus moving into the bloodstream. HIV can destroy all fresh T cells repeating its process of reproduction in this manner. The immune system then gets absolutely weekend multiplying this virus all over you, this can be termed as “opportunistic infection”.

A person with a HIV-weekend immune system comes down with one or more of rare opportunistic infections, with low T cell counts it can be diagnosed as an AIDS patient, ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICENCY SYNDROME. AIDS can be thought of the most severe form of HIV disease, all but a handful of medical experts now believe that HIV is the primary agent that leads to the development of AIDS.

Large scale transmit of this virus occur due to unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injections, infected used in transfusion, and in some occasions through pregnancy when the virus is passed from mother to child. Sources: Mehjabeen Poonawala - Ph.D. Research Scholar (Foods and Nutrition).

People newly infected with HIV in 2018 = 1.7 Million.

People living with HIV = 37.9 Million

People living with HIV in 2007 = 33.2 Million

People died of AIDS-related illnesses = 770 Thousand

People infected with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of AIDS within eight to 10 years. The length of time can vary widely between individuals. The time between infection with HIV and becoming ill with AIDS can be 10–15 years, sometimes longer, but sometimes shorter.

Transmission through kissing on the mouth carries no risk.

Any kind of cut using an unsterilized object, such as a razor or knife, can transmit HIV.

Having sex with someone living with HIV is safe if the person’s virus is fully suppressed by treatment.

Quality-assured condoms are the only products currently available to protect against sexual infection by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Transmission of HIV from a mother living with HIV to her baby can occur during pregnancy, during labour or after delivery through breastfeeding

There is no cure for HIV.

HIV is not spread by mosquitoes or other biting insects.

You cannot be infected by shaking someone’s hand.

Southern Africa worst-affected in the region

South Africa has more HIV infections than any other country in the world

Source: UNAIDS