Hiv A Modern Atlantian Epidemic - 1600 Words

HIV: A Modern Atlantian Epidemic HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a global issue that is classified as a pandemic by the CDC and WHO, however an epidemic is on the rise at an alarming rate in Atlanta, Georgia. This cluster in downtown Atlanta is being contributed to several factors, including poverty, a greater percentage of African-American residents and behaviors that increase the risk of HIV, including unsafe gay sex and injection drug use. Approximately half of newly diagnosed HIV patients in Atlanta have unknowingly progressed to full-blown AIDS, according to testing conducted by Grady Hospital (Archer, 2015). An alarming amount of those patients, approximately 8%, reside within the same 30303 zip code as the hospital itself†¦show more content†¦Once the host cell of the body is superimposed by the virus, it then begins its replication process by â€Å"budding† newly replicated virus cells by converting the viral RNA into viral DNA using the virus’ own enzymes. This virus severely compromises the immune system responses, both humoral and cell-mediated, by targeting and attacking CD4+ T-helper lymphocyte cells and central nervous system cells. This virus also uses the lymphoid tissues and organs to multiply and contain itself to continue infections throughout the body. HIV is a disease with multiple stages of severity. Persons who acquire this disease may unknowingly be a carrier for years without realizing it. At early onset of acute HIV infection (Stage 1), a few weeks after exposure, viral replication is rapid and there may be mild, generalized flulike symptoms such as low fever, fatigue, arthralgia, and sore throat (VanMeter, 2014). Following this brief illness, if any, of stage I the person would then go into Stage 2 or clinical latency. This period can also be referred to as asymptomatic HIV infection due to the low levels of HIV reproductions. For some, this period can last many years to a full decade or beyond, but without treatment many will go through this phase quickly. Those that test