MOST WANTED: HIV
By: Austin Chaney and Brayden Wall
What Disease can HIV cause?
The vile outlaw HIV, also known as "Human Immunodeficiency Virus", is a virus that in most cases inflicts AIDS upon its victims. The tragedy that shrouds HIV and its "partner in crime", AIDS, is that these are permanent and cannot be rid of.
Description
The HIV virus can be a deceiving scoundrel. Although this intimidating villain can eventually end a life, it is only a meager 1/70th of the size of a white blood cell. The physical appearance of a molecule that is that of HIV usually consists of a membrane made of fatty materials and small protein spikes. Within the virus is obviously the viral genetic material and proteins needed to replicate.
Mode of Operation
If one thing is for sure, it is that the subtle nature of HIV and AIDS is full of malicious intent. HIV functions by annihilating T cells (also known as CD4 cells). These cells take on the ever-so important role of fighting off and combating other diseases and or viruses. Over time, an untreated case of HIV can decimate an organisms amount of T-cells, leaving him or her susceptible to other infections. These opportunistic infections can be of a very basic level and still wreak havoc upon ones body. Typically, these infections indicate a person has AIDS. Upon attachment, the virus activates reproduction intensive proteins using an enzyme dubbed "protease". Then the virus converts its own RNA into DNA. After this, the virus embeds this new DNA into the T-cells, causing them to make more copies of the virus.
Victims of HIV and AIDS
This ruthless scourge of soceity picks no favorites but does follow some patterns. Those affiliated with consistent, unsafe sexual activity are at higher risk. Specifically, data has shown homosexual and bisexual men account for 2/3 of HIV cases. Also, drugs that involve contact of foreign blood and the like, are very dangerous, for HIV is prominent among its users.
Symptoms
In HIV's most immature stages, it will attack its defenseless victims with symptoms that are similar to that of the flu. These flu-like symptoms will soon vanish in the span of a few weeks, for the immune system "attempts" to fight off the virus. This downhill battle lasts a few years and results in a constant, gradual loss of T-cells. Eventually the loss becomes too immense, as the victim will endure night sweats, chills, fever, and chronic diarrhea. When the T-cells reach a dangerously low amount, the victim is said to have AIDS.
Whereabouts of HIV
The outlaw HIV prefers to lurk within bodily fluids. This includes, but is not limited to, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and most prominently blood. This disease likes to seek passage to its unfortunate victims via sexual activity or contaminated needles.
How to take up arms
Neither HIV or aids can be vanquished, but they can be controlled. Control of this scurvy rebel lies within antiretrovial therapy or ART. If taken daily, ART can effectively prolong the lives of HIV victims substantially, and decrease their chance of spreading it sexually. A victim of HIV that consistently takes ART can live as long as someone that is not affected by the virus.
The Verdict: Is HIV armed and dangerous?
Without a doubt, HIV is a sadistic, methodical virus that kills with the utmost subtlety and precision. The assassin of a disease gradually turns from a lesser evil to a greater one, otherwise known as AIDS. Compared to other viruses, HIV is permanent and will stay to dictate the fate of your life. I proclaim that HIV is one of the most deadly viruses known to us as a species. I bestow a threat level 10 upon this dreadful disease, and its conqueror will receive ample compensation upon its defeat.