December 1rst AIDS DAY !!

H uman I mmunodeficiency V irus HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a 'Retrovirus'. Retroviruses consist of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and were discovered by Robert Gallo in 1978. They contain a special viral enzyme called Reverse Transcriptase, which allows the virus to convert its RNA to DNA and then integrate, and take over, a cell's own genetic material. Once taken over, the new cell - now HIV infected - begins to produce new HIV retroviruses. HIV replicates in and kills the helper T cells, which are the body’s main defense against illness. HIV is ONLY spread through: Sexual contact - unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Only condoms provide 'all-in-one' protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Direct innoculation of the virus - for example infection through contaminated needles Contaminated blood products / transplanted organs. In the US all donated blood has been tested for HIV since 1985 An infected mother may so...