HIV & AIDS Cures

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the viral strain that causes AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is a fatal disease that ultimately culminates in weakness, sickness and death. The virus itself does nothing to directly kill its host. Rather, it replicates its RNA into the host's cells, ultimately shutting down the immune system. The hosts will then die from an inability to fight off another external virus, bacteria or pathogen.

Time Frame

• There is no known cure for AIDS. If someone contracts HIV, he will have it for life. However, HIV often does not matriculate for several years. It may lay dormant in the body's circulatory and immune system for a long time before developing into AIDS. Therefore, it is highly possible for someone to die with HIV rather than from it.

Antiretroviral Drugs

• Treatment for HIV and AIDS revolves around the use of several antiretroviral drugs that inhibit the replication and growth of the virus. Currently, there are seven of these antiretroviral drugs available. They work by inhibiting certain enzymes, disorganizing the structure of the virus, preventing HIV from inserting its genetic material into cells and blocking certain proteins in the body. Through proper use of these antiretroviral drugs, a person may be able to postpone the matriculation of HIV by several years.

Inhibitors

• There are certain strains of HIV that have become resistant to antiretroviral drugs. In these cases, drugs known as inhibitors are used. HIV inhibitors include drugs like Isentress and Selzentry. Like the other medications, these inhibitors block the replication of RNA into human cells. However, they are targeted specifically towards resistant strains and are meant to be used alongside antiretroviral drugs in the process of treatment.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of medication are generally mild. They include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fever, vomiting and gas. However, certain medications may cause severe liver damage, which can be fatal. Speak with your doctor if you have HIV to determine which medication is appropriate for your situation.

Prevention/Solution

• Prevention is currently the only "cure" available for AIDS. Avoid becoming infected by HIV at all costs. Do not share syringes or use already-used syringes. Do not have sexual intercourse with another individual if you know he or she is infected with HIV. Avoid blood products in other countries. If you believe you have been given a questionable blood transfusion, consult a doctor immediately.

  Early diagnosis of HIV increases your chances of living well with the disease. If for any reason you believe that you might have acquired HIV, speak with a doctor immediately. Although a doctor cannot prescribe a cure, he may be able to offer treatment that postpones the effects of AIDS.