Final answer:
The true statement about HIV and AIDS is that unprotected sex increases the risk for HIV/AIDS. HIV damages the immune system, leading to AIDS and increasing the risk of opportunistic diseases, which are often the immediate cause of death in those with AIDS. Treatments are available to manage the disease, but there is no cure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the given statements regarding HIV and AIDS, the true statement is (B) Having unprotected sex puts a person at a high risk for HIV/AIDS. It's important to understand that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), and that having unprotected sex can significantly increase the risk of transmission of HIV. While treatments such as highly active antiretroviral therapy can manage the disease and reduce viral load to undetectable levels, there is no cure for HIV currently, which contradicts statement A. Standard precautions must always be practiced regardless of the health status of the individual to prevent the spread of infections, making statement C false. Additionally, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person with HIV, as per statement D.
HIV can cause cancer by weakening the immune system, making it difficult for the body to defend against cancer-causing viruses and other opportunistic infections. The immediate cause of death in people with AIDS is typically opportunistic diseases, as the weakened immune system is unable to protect against infections that do not typically affect healthy individuals. Viral load refers to the amount of HIV virus present in a person's blood, and it is a critical indicator to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.