Why are there HIV+ people that have lived for 20+ years without AIDS drugs and are fine?
340106
I'm HIV positive - and I'm going to respond to this from personal experience. \n\nI got HIV from having unprotected sex with someone who didn't know they were positive. It's a b*tch, but it happens. \n\n\nI think my favorite sentence in this question is the final line, "This organization is endorsed by many doctors and celebrities." Well - if Britney Spears says it's true - then I BELIEVE IT! Honestly, people - let's be intelligent. \n\n\nThe reason why some people are fine is because some people are different. Everyone's immune system responds differently to EVERYTHING - some do very well in fighting it on their own; others get sick very VERY quickly. The people who aren't on drugs and are doing fine - they should thank God for the blessing of a uniquely equipped immune system. \n\n\nI am like millions of others who are not so fortunate. My virus has it in for me: as in, I was infected and VERY sick almost immediately. I knew I was positive within a month, because for someone who NEVER got sick, I got TAKEN OUT! So,  I went to the doctor, and surprise!! (Lesson: use protection every time, kids)\n\nMy "viral loads" never went down (they were above 750,000 - above 80,000 is BAD), and my CD4 counts never came back up on their own (they were 274, then 208). I was never diagnosed with AIDS (CD4 of under 200), because after two months of seeing the trend, my doctor decided to strategically skip a month's blood test to see my counts before putting me on medication. She didn't want to have to give me that diagnosis. \n\nI went through a variety of tests (Both Genotype and Phenotype analysis of my particular virus) and went on a drug regimen in August of 2005. \n\nWithin a month (A MONTH!!) my viral load was down to 644, and my CD4's were 240. My drugs kicked the virus' butt, and I had ZERO side-effects. \n\nIn the past year I've been taking my drugs twice a day (basically, it ranks a few steps higher than brushing my teeth - but it's just as routine) and I FEEL GREAT!!!\n\nI love my drugs, I love my doctor, and I love the scientists that figured out a way to KEEP ME ALIVE. \n\nThe longer there are groups out there who perpetuate a myth that this, or that, or whatever - created this SYNDROME; and other ways than prescription medication can keep the virus from creating millions of copies of itself and breaking down a person's immune system, PEOPLE WILL DIE. \n\nThe scientists who studied AIDS in the 80's didn't decide that HIV was the virus that caused AIDS - they were convinced by the FACTS of how this virus operated, and the RESULTS of tests in the lab. \n\nI don't know what drugs you're on - but the ones I'm taking are the only reason I'm typing this.
581888
This question is ridiculous. AIDS is not only an epidemic, it is a pandemic, and it is most certainly something to be scared of.\n\nThe HIV/AIDS virus is only transmissable through bodily fluids; blood and semen. For this reason, it is most commonly found in gay men and drug abusers. Gay men have anal sex, which usually results in some anal bleeding. When one man ejaculates, the semen can infect the open wounds from which the blood is emitting. This however, it not only seen in gay men, it is also a risk to women who have anal sex with an infected male. Transmission is no different.\n\nIn terms of transmission among drug abusers, this refers to drugs such as heroine which is taken with a needle. Drug abusers arent known for their cleanliness in this matter and  usually use needles which have already been used before. When the needle is used to inject someone with AIDS, it picks up the virus from their blood, when this needle is reused, the person who injects themself will most probably recieve the disease by introducing the infected blood of the first person into their own body.\n\nNo self respecting scientist...or educated person for that matter...would deny that AIDS is caused by a virus. It is a retrovirus and has been extensively studied. It cannot target any specific group of people. Those people are just more susceptible to it through unprotected anal sex and drug abuse with needles.\n\nIt is also very common for people who had blood transfusions in the late 70's and early 80's to have contracted the virus. This is because at that time there were far less restrictions on who could or could not give blood; also, not enough was known about the virus to test blood donors for the disease.\n\nI'm sorry to tell you that the AIDS in africa is the same AIDS we have here, in fact, 50% of the South African army is infected with the HIV virus. There have been more deaths in Africa due to AIDS than there have been deaths by malaria. It is more common in africa due to their lack of contraception, and their significantly less sanitary and deprived medical centers.
1065804
The problem lies with the culture of the areas.  They don't realize that sex spreads HIV.  In fact its thought that the only way to get rid of the disease is to have sex with a virgin.  Its a sad world we live in indeed.  Also note that they are used to poor hygiene.  This is a leading problem.  I'm not saying everyone over there is like that, but some people is all it takes.    On a side note, the fact that we aren't exposed to the viral epidemics (affects our tolerance and our immune systems ability to cope with the disease) has a small part to play as well.
1070077
AIDS originated in monkeys that's why. people didn't have sex with monkeys then.
224418
In the '80's AIDS became a major part of many gay men's lives. Many people that did not suffer from the disease wanted to look healthier. These people began working out, eating better, etc.\n\nAs AIDS continued, people facing the disease tended to have two psychological choices: give up, or fight. Those that fought the disease also began to exercise, eat better, get more rest, become more holistic. \n\nAs the years have continued, the obsession that many men feel for looking better and feeling better has continued to grow.
826801
Only in that children are already more susceptable to illnesses due to less mature immune systems already. Children with HIV are usually born with it, therefore are probably already suffering from the symptoms
39507
We don't really use the term "full blown AIDS" anymore.  Most often we look at T-cell counts.  T-cells are in your blood.  They are part of the immune system.  They are what identify things that make you sick.  HIV attacks T-cells and eventually kills them all off.\n\nWe also look at something called a "viral load."  It simply tells how much of the virus is in your blood.\n\nThe lower your T-cells are, and the higher your viral load is - the sicker you may become.\n\nIf a person with AIDS takes their medications they can live a long and healthy life.  I have known people with less than 10 T-cells who have been relatively healthy for a few years.  There are medications that can prevent other types of infections that affect people with AIDS too.\n\nSo, how long can you live? No one really knows.  With medications, people with AIDS can live long and healthy lives.\n\nFor someone with a badly damaged immune system and not recieving medical care - a common cold or the flu can lead to other infections that eventually could kill the person.
95391
Having AIDS is hugely problematic.  It is a fatal illness.  Eventually a person with AIDS will die.  It may take 10 years, 15 years, but they will get very sick and it's only a matter of time.\n\nIt's great to have AIDS and still love LIFE, but I think it's a little strange to love having the illness itself.
152174
I don't think the HIV virus ever dies.  I'm pretty sure it doesn't.  Viruses are usually incurable and the person will have it for the rest of their lives.
1125740
No! No one is immune to HIV or Aids...\n\nWhy? Because the viruses change often (there is a high level of mutation). It's the same reason why they can't find a cure...It doesn't stay the same long enough for them to specifically target it....
432646
Those are anti-HIV medications aren't they?\n\nI'm not sure about the drug interactions - but I know that Meth makes HIV replicate at a higher rate than when you're not using meth.  Essentially, you're getting more infectious and making yourself sicker everytime you use meth.\n\nMeth also affects the same neurotransmitters in the brain that HIV does.  Many meth users with AIDS progress to dementia much sooner than non-meth using AIDS patients.\n\nIf you're not concerned about your own health, that's your own perrogitive.  I really hope you're protecting your partners though by wearing a condom, or making them wear one.
951061
as long you live happy and have good nutrient of food..you'll last a bout 25 years....the main reason it is so killing in countries like africa is because sometimes some of their people is lack of nutrient..and they suffer "immuno-depression" lack of nutrient..that is why HIV can kill fast if you don't love yourself
988460
Have you ever watched a loved one wither away in their hospital bed from a common cold because the AIDS virus made their immune system so weak? If not, you should be grateful. I watched my uncle sit there and wither away to skin and bones because of AIDS. Please educate yourself more on this subject and be more respectful about it.
614030
there are plenty of antibiotics now that may increase life, HIV hurts the body's immune system because the bodies T-cells are infected, usually people don't die from HIV/AIDS but from common diseases such as the flu, diarrhea, common cold.
1069405
For the same reason all drugs tend to be shunned.  People do not know how to use them in moderation.  They use and use and let it take over their lives.  If drug use did not become the only thing in a users life, it may be more accepted.  Alcohol is a good example.  Some people can drink and then not drink for months, but others live only to drink.  This tends to happen more with other drugs.  Alcoholics = Junkies.
659643
At the present time, there is no cure for AIDS. Treatment stresses aggressive combination drug therapy when possible. The use of multi-drug therapies has significantly reduced the number of U.S. deaths resulting from AIDS. The potential exists to possibly prolong life indefinitely using these and other drug therapies to boost the immune system, keep the virus from replicating, and ward off opportunistic infections and malignancies. Prognosis after the latency period depends on the patient’s specific symptoms and the organ systems affected by the disease. Patients with AIDS-related lymphomas of the central nervous system die within two to three months of diagnosis; those with systemic lymphomas may survive for eight to ten months. In America, the successful treatment of AIDS patients with HAART has actually led to a growing number of people living with HIV. About 25,000 infected people per year are added to the list of HIV-infected Americans.As of 2000, there is no vaccine effective against AIDS. Several vaccines to prevent initial HIV infection and disease progression are being tested. In 2002, reports showed a new “library” vaccine showed potential. The vaccine is composed of up to 32 HIV gene fragments that can induce a number of immune responses. In the same year, the British government worked with five African countries in a trial to find an effective gel that would protect women against HIV during sex.
950194
click here:http://www.bestandworst.com/r/?id=4429\nhttp://www.gibbsmagazine.com/Where%20AIDS%20Came%20From.htm\nhttp://www.alldeaf.com/topic-debates/25274-where-did-aids-come.html\nhttp://beatnikboy.tripod.com/aids.htm\nhttp://www.natap.org/2002/9retro/day0.htm\n\n\nThe origin of AIDS and HIV has puzzled scientists ever since the illness first came to light in the early 1980s. For over twenty years it has been the subject of fierce debate and the cause of countless arguments, with everything from a promiscuous flight attendant to a suspect vaccine programme being blamed. So what it the truth? Just where did AIDS come from?\n\nThe first recognised cases of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s (more about this period can be found on our history page). A number of gay men in New York and San Francisco suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers that seemed stubbornly resistant to any treatment. At this time, AIDS did not yet have a name, but it quickly became obvious that all the men were suffering from a common syndrome. The discovery of HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes AIDS was made soon after. While some were initially resistant to the connection (and indeed remain so today), there is now clear evidence to prove that HIV does cause AIDS. So, in order to find the source of AIDS, it is necessary to look for the origin of HIV, and find out How, When and Where HIV first began to cause disease in humans.