The discuss about HIV/AIDS origin has resurfaced recently due to new information that has come to light debunking old theories about when HIV originated in human populations. This new information came to us by way of DNA analysis of the current HIV virus. Scientists now guess that HIV jump to human populations from monkeys in the early 1900's. This has done a good ob in putting to rest the old conspiracy theories about HIV being transmitted to humans by polio vaccines. HIV is thought to have jumped to the human population when indigenous African populations who consumed game meats regularly contracted it while butchering animals. A number of viruses humans have today have gotten into our population in similar ways including bird flu.

HIV 1 is the more virulent and common of the HIV strains. HIV 1 is the strain that infects most the world and qualifies HIV as a pandemic. HIV II is the less common strain of HIV that is less virulent. HIV 2 is mostly confined to West Africa, and not as prevalent. Both HIV 1 and HIV 2 are transmitted by bodily fluids. This means that the prevention of HIV rests on safe, and non risky practices. Including using condoms as well as other safe sex practices. AIDS occurs when AIDS HIV has progressed to the point as to promote opportunistic infections and other AIDS defining illnesses.

 

As treatments become more available the battle against HIV becomes more viable. Prevention needs to be a central pillar in combating AIDS/HIV, as well as aggressive treatment. HAART regimens (combinations of AIDS drugs) are the primary weapon we have and it has been very effective in slowing the progression of HIV. Breakthroughs like these have helped patients live a much longer and healthier life. A essential component in winning the fight against HIV is education, we need more HIV education. Misinformation and lack of understanding has been a huge contributer to the spread of HIV.

Tags: AIDS, aids hiv, HIV basics, HIV, AIDS Drugs, bird flu, Health, origin of HIV

This is a quick look at how drug prices for HIV medications can be detreimental and our health care system can fall short. This does not only hurt the 40 million in the US without insurance but also those who are underinsured. HIV/AIDS medication can run up a huge medical billing, often costing thousands of dollars per month depending on the regimen. A common starting regimen consists of Kaletra boosted by Ritonavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine. The cost of a 30 day supply for each drug can be as high as 198.99$, 289.99$, 385.88$, 170.00$. This totals over 1,000$ a month in just HIV medications. Other starting regimens including atripla can be more then 1500$ for a one month supply. So if you have no insurance your total care costs can quickly rise out of your reach with the combination of bills for doctors visits, medication, and time lost not working. You can even just be underinsured for medication costing you large copays exceeding 500 dollars a month. These factors can make it very hard for uninsured to pay for their medical bills and not go into debt. In the end this can hurt the overall health care you recieve, and potentially forces patients to go without care.

If you are recently diagnosed all the new medications and treatments will no doubt be overwhelming. It is critical that you start seeing a HIV specialist as soon as possible. They should take labs immediatly to help you start to get a better idea when to start treatment. The NIH did a study and determined the level at which you should begin treatment. Mortality rates go up if HAART is started below 0.200 x 10(9) cells/L. Also, nonadherent patients have higher mortality rates than adherent patients with similar CD4+ cell counts. Above a CD4 count of 0.200 x 10(9) cells/L, medication adherence is the critical determinant of survival, not the CD4+ cell count at which HAART is begun.

Tags: AIDS Drugs, Lopinavir, Atripla, Health, HIV Medication, HIV Drugs