Question

(06.03 HC)

How is HIV contracted, and what are the treatment options?

A. HIV is spread during unprotected sex with an infected individual, and it can only be treated if detected within the first few months of being infected.
B. HIV is spread during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood; it cannot be cured, but early treatment can minimize the long-term consequences.
C. HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids; there is no cure or safe treatment to reduce the symptoms and consequences of the disease.
D. HIV is transmitted by sharing drug needles or food with an infected individual; it cannot be cured, but there are experimental medications to minimize the risk of AIDS.

Answer 1

B. HIV is spread during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood; it cannot be cured, but early treatment can minimize the long-term consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus weakens the immune system of infected persons by destroying immune cells like the CD4 helper cells that usually fight-off infections; this can also make infected persons more susceptible to other illnesses. It is spread through contact with the blood and certain bodily fluids (seminal, rectal and vaginal fluids) of an infeted person.

While no cure exists, drugs in the form of antiretrovirals can be administered in a combination called antiretroviral therapy. Treatments delays further harm immune function, but when taken as advised, these reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others, and slows the advancement of the disease into an acquired immunodeficiency disease, AIDS.