How aids develops?
Question: What is HIV and how does it differ from other viruses which infect human beings? Answer: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. As the name suggests it only causes disease in humans, which leads to the depletion of white blood cells leading to lowering of immunity. Once the virus enters the body it lies dormant for many years and hence is known as a ‘slow virus’. Most other viruses for example, those causing measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc., manifest the disease in 14-21 days after it enters the body. Hence the incubation period is short (2-3 weeks) whereas in HIV infection it is very long and runs into years. Question: How does HIV attack the immune system? Answer: Once HIV enters the body, it gets attached to a type of white blood cell called T lymphocyte (which is the T cell in the human body’s protection against infections). The RNA (genetic material) of the virus then gets converted to DNA (genetic material) by an enzyme that the virus produces. This viral DNA the
ATHENS, Ohio – More than 90,000 people in the United States are over the age of 50 at the time they are diagnosed with AIDS and at least 25 percent of them suffer from depression. But a new Ohio University study suggests that a telephone support group can lessen stress and improve the coping skills of older adults living with the disease. In the pilot study, which will be presented this Saturday at the National Association of HIV Over Fifty Conference in Scottsdale, Az., 23 older adults who had been diagnosed with depression participated in a 12-week telephone support group. The participants, who were recruited through AIDS service organizations in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Arizona, discussed life stressors and issues related to aging with HIV/AIDS. Licensed social workers offered advice about coping mechanisms and ways to seek support for health problems. Those involved in the 12-session program reported greater reductions in stress and suicidal thoughts and an increase in copi
