Aids

Culture and Disease

Jessica Blank

HCS/245

April 29, 2013

Jeanette May

HIV/AIDS

Collin Powell (2001) stated “no war on the face of the earth is more destructive than the AIDS pandemic” (para. 4). The devastating effects of AIDS can be seen throughout all races, ethnicity, genders, and sexual orientations. Even though AIDS is global fight, African Americans in the United States are becoming infected on a regular basis. HIV/AIDS is so destructive because once a person has the disease, there is no way to get rid of it. AIDS is common among the black race because of genetics, lack of education, poverty, and the stigma/discrimination regarding the virus. African Americans need to be aware of how easily HIV/AIDS can infect them and the government needs to set aside resources to educate and protect these individuals. Although there has been advancement in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS, there is still so much work to be done to make HIV/AIDS a disease of the past.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens the immune system by destroying the cells that are supposed to fight diseases and infections. The virus attacks the T-cells also known as CD4 cells. Once the virus destroys many of the CD4 cells, and an individual can no longer fight infection, AIDS is diagnosed. According to the CDC, “usually, CD4 cell counts in someone with a healthy immune system range from 500 to 1,800 per cubic millimeter of blood. AIDS is diagnosed when your CD4 cell count goes below 200” (para. 3). There is no clear time frame for how long HIV infection make take to turn into a diagnosis of AIDS. The symptoms of HIV/AIDS vary from person to person and depends on the stage of the virus. Most individuals experience flu like symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, swollen glands, and night sweats (Mayo Clinic, 2013). It is vital that individuals who believe they have been infected see their health care provider as soon...