Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Question One – Explain the terms ‘HIV' and ‘AIDS' (K+U – 6)

Human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV, is retrovirus meaning that is reverse infused into the infected individual's DNA. Therefore it integrates into their genes permanently. It has the ability to recreate and spread itself rapidly and in large magnitudes due to the integration with the DNA and cannot be eradicated from remedial treatment. (Adrian Bethel, 2006, Jesus and His Legacy, Bethel Publishing) What HIV does to your system is that it copies itself by using genetic material from our CD4 cells. It destroys these cells after it is done copying itself which causes our immune system to become weaker until it is unable to defend itself from other infections and diseases. Therefore, HIV does not make you ill, it opens doors for other infections to make you sick. (http://aids.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/hivdo.htm, Wednesday 4th September 2013) Some symptoms of HIV include fevers, muscle soreness, swollen lymph glands, night sweats and diarrhea. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiv-aids/DS00005/DSECTION=symptoms, Wednesday 4th September 2013)

After about