The Main Mechanism of Transmission
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a severe and relatively common problem of our time. Although HIV was first discovered in 1983 and medicine has improved significantly since then, there is still no way to completely cure a person of HIV (A timeline of HIV and AIDS, n.d.). The primary mechanism of HIV transmission is through body fluids. These body fluids include blood, sexual/genital fluid, and breast milk (Khanacademymedicine, 2015).
It can occur through unprotected intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding. According to Khanacademymedicine (2015), the highest risk for transmission is during unprotected anal intercourse since there are interactions with two types of body fluids at once. Effective ways to prevent HIV transmission include safer sex, using sterile equipment for medical procedures, and prompt medical attention.
Effective Ways to Avoid HIV
In addition, there are various types of prevention and drug prevention of infection. One such method is the use of Microbicides, which are applied to the genitals and prevent the transmission of HIV during unprotected intercourse (Khanacademymedicine, 2015). In addition, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be used. Both types of prevention involve taking antiretroviral medications that minimize the risk of infection (Osmosis, 2016).
Antiretroviral Therapy
Moreover, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is recommended for people with the virus, which reduces the risk of transmission, slows down the progression of the disease, and prevents the virus from replicating (Osmosis, 2016). HIV has a high mutation rate due to its high replication rate and error-prone replication mechanism. It is essential to understand that this characteristic of the virus makes it drug-resistant and untreatable.
Most Affected Population of Individuals
Even though HIV is a fairly common disease among different population groups, some are more vulnerable. For example, this population includes men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and prisoners (Khanacademymedicine, 2015). These populations are potentially more likely to come into contact with body fluids that transmit the virus. HIV was first discovered in 1983 and had high morbidity and mortality rates.
Mortality Rates in 1989 vs. 2019
However, mortality rates dropped significantly between 1989 and 2019 due to advances in HIV treatment and care (A timeline of HIV and AIDS, n.d.). Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an aggravated stage of HIV development that develops without the necessary treatment. The main difference between these two diseases is that AIDS is not treatable, is quite aggressive, and leads to severe illness.
References
A timeline of HIV and AIDS. (n.d.). HIV.gov. Web.
Khanacademymedicine. (2015). Transmission of HIV: Infectious diseases [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Osmosis. (2016). HIV & AIDS – signs, symptoms, transmissions, causes & pathology [Video]. YouTube. Web.