Human immunodeficiency virus causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in human beings. The virus attacks the immune system of the body. Specifically, the virus attacks the cd4 cells of the body, which finally leads to the decline in the body thus weakening the defense system. The virus is usually transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and secretions, breast milk and fluids from the rectum. Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States of America are infected with HIV according to the center for disease control (Essien, Meshack, Peters, Ogungbade & Osemene 11). It is important to control the transmission of the virus from the affected individuals to health individuals.
According to Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission (57), unprotected intercourse between infected and uninfected individuals is one of the leading ways of HIV transmission in the United States. The virus is also transmitted by use of same needles used by drug addicts. The main ways that are used to prevent transmission of the virus are aimed at preventing the contact of body fluids. Sexual intercourse, either vaginal or anal sex is the major way of HIV transmission. Use of condoms is the most effective way of preventing transmission. Correct use of condoms can reduce transmission by 99% (Essien, Meshack, Peters, Ogungbade & Osemene 24). Remaining faithful to a single sexual partner can also significantly reduce the transmission of HIV. In most cases, people having many sexual partners are more likely to contract the virus than those engaging in a one-partner affair. It is also important to avoid drug and substance abuse because drugs are predisposing factors to transmission. Infected mothers should take antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to newborns. In addition, doctors need to administer antiretroviral drugs to newborn babies to minimize chances of contracting HIV at birth. Blood used for transfusion also needs to be screened to reduce the chances of transmission of HIV in hospitals.
In my opinion, I believe the effective approach of preventing transmission is by behavior change. Essentially, this involves avoiding drug and substance abuse, abstinence until marriage, being faithful to a single partner and getting to know the status of both partners. Furthermore, responsible sexual activity with the use of condoms is highly recommended in preventing HIV.
In conclusion, the human immunodeficiency virus causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in human beings. The virus attacks the immune system of the body. Usually, the virus is transmitted through blood contact, sexual intercourse or from mother to child. In addition, the virus can be prevented through protected sexual intercourse among other approaches. While there are many approaches to prevent the spread of HIV, behavioral change is the most appropriate in the modern society.
Works Cited
Essien, E. J., Angela F. Meshack, Ronald J. Peters, GO Ogungbade, and Nora I. Osemene. "Strategies to Prevent HIV Transmission Among Heterosexual African-American Women." International Journal for Equity in Health (2011): n. pag. Print.
Recommendations for Prevention of Hiv Transmission. Atlanta: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, 2010. Print.
