What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a dangerous virus that attacks a person’s body from the inside. It can cause a disease called AIDS if not treated properly.
Our blood contains white blood cells that help our body fight diseases. HIV attacks these cells. This means that an infected person can fall sick very easily.
Till now, there is no cure for HIV. People who have HIV have to take medicines to protect themselves.
Where did humans get HIV for the first time?
Chimpanzees in Central Africa can have a virus called "Simian Immunodeficiency Virus". It is believed that humans first got this disease in the 1800s when they hunted infected chimpanzees for meat.
Since then, HIV has spread over the African continent and the world.
How does HIV spread and what are its symptoms?
HIV can spread through body fluids and by sharing injections. Unborn children can also get it if their mother is infected.
There are no symptoms of HIV in the first few months. Once the virus spreads, people may see signs like weight loss, fever, etc. Any person can get checked for HIV by visiting a clinic.
Oh no. Is there a cure for HIV?
Doctors and scientists have been trying to find a cure for years without any luck. But, there is some hope! Scientists are trying a new method to cure HIV called ‘stem cell transplant.’
Stem cells help the body in forming healthy blood cells. These healthy cells replace the cells damaged by HIV.
Oh wow. Can stem cell transplant cure HIV?
Recently, a man who was first infected with HIV in 1988 has been declared HIV-free. He was receiving stem cell transplants.
After getting the treatment, he stopped taking any HIV medicines. Yet, no HIV was found in his body. Doctors are still keeping an eye on him before they declare him completely cured of HIV.
Let’s hope that stem cell treatment is the permanent cure to this deadly disease.
