Final answer:
The statement is false; with appropriate medical treatment, a person with HIV/AIDS can still lead a normal life. HIV treatment extends the time before AIDS develops and allows individuals to reach an average lifespan. Continuous management and monitoring are key to controlling the disease's progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "A person infected with HIV/AIDS is generally too sick to ever lead a normal life again" is false. With the advances in medical treatment, HIV infection can now be managed as a chronic condition. Proper medication can control the progression of HIV and prevent the development of AIDS. Individuals with HIV can lead long, productive lives with treatment.
While it is true that AIDS, which stands for "acquired immune deficiency syndrome," can result from years of damage to the immune system by HIV, the outcome is significantly better if the infection is treated. With effective treatment, the span between HIV infection and the development of AIDS can be greatly extended, sometimes by more than 20 years. Even those diagnosed with HIV after the age of 50 can expect to reach an average life span.
If left untreated, or if the HIV medication regimen fails, severe impairment of the immune system can result, making the person susceptible to opportunistic infections. Monitoring the CD4 helper T cell count through tests like flow cytometry is crucial in managing the disease and adjusting treatment as necessary. A count of CD4 T cells that falls below 200 cells/μL or the development of certain opportunistic illnesses is indicative of the progression to AIDS.