HIV Q&A
Hi!! It becomes colder in Japan. Please be careful of a bad cold! Today, I will write down about HIV. Do you know that December 1st was World AIDS Day? We should learn about HIV.
Dr.Brown answered my interview.
T (Tin man):
What is HIV?
Dr. (Dr.Brown):
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV infects and gradually destroys the infected person's immune system, reducing their protection against infection and cancers. The main cell HIV infects is called a T helper lymphocyte. This cell is a crucial part of the immune system, and co-ordinates the actions of other immune system cells. A big reduction in the number of T helper cells seriously weakens the immune system. Aids, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a term that describes the point when a person's immune system can no longer cope because of the damage caused by HIV and they start to get one or more specific illnesses.
T: What is the difference between HIV & AIDS?
Dr.: HIV is the virus that is passed from one person to another. In time, it can lead to the disease known as AIDS. A person can only develop AIDS if he/she has HIV.
Dr.: HIV is the virus that is passed from one person to another. In time, it can lead to the disease known as AIDS. A person can only develop AIDS if he/she has HIV.
T:How long does it take for HIV to cause AIDS?
Dr.:Since 1992, scientists have estimated that about half the people with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person and depends on many factors, including a person's health status and his or her health-related behaviors. With improved treatments, researchers anticipate that the time it takes to develop AIDS will extend well beyond 10 years.
Dr.:Since 1992, scientists have estimated that about half the people with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person and depends on many factors, including a person's health status and his or her health-related behaviors. With improved treatments, researchers anticipate that the time it takes to develop AIDS will extend well beyond 10 years.
T: How do I know if I have HIV or AIDS?
Dr.:There are lots of signs and symptoms that are common for people with HIV or AIDS. However, the ONLY way a person can tell if he/she is HIV positive is to be tested. A person can get tested at many locations in the Long Beach area. To find out more, see thesection on HIV testing.
Dr.:There are lots of signs and symptoms that are common for people with HIV or AIDS. However, the ONLY way a person can tell if he/she is HIV positive is to be tested. A person can get tested at many locations in the Long Beach area. To find out more, see thesection on HIV testing.
T: Thank you very much.
Dr.: You're welcome.
