HIV Research Paper There are several ways that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can spread from person to person. Sexual behaviors top the list of HIV transmission routes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV is transmitted primarily through contact with the needle, blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, or vaginal fluids of an infected person (2014). Unprotected sex is the most common way of transfusing HIV because, although many symptoms have not yet emerged, the virus can still spread, the CDC (2014) said. Unfortunately, HIV can also be transmitted to the fetus from an infected mother during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breast milk, reported the CDC (2014). The CDC also stated that HIV can be contracted through contaminated blood transfusions and sharing contaminated needles because HIV is present in the bloodstream (2014). As soon as a person comes into contact with an infected person through one of these transmission routes, the virus enters the bloodstream and the person tests positive for HIV. Once the virus enters the cell, it cannot be reversed. HIV is a powerful and intelligent virus. WebMD reported that this infectious virus destroys your immune system, impeding your body's ability to rid itself of it; the virus targets specific cells that are trying to destroy it (2013). As soon as the virus enters the bloodstream, HIV begins to do its job to survive and resist anything, depending on other cells to increase its population, said WebMD (2013). HIV uses immune system defenders called CD4 T cell DNA to persistently replicate the virus and subsequently destroys the CD4 T cells, specified WebMD (2013). The virus uses an enzyme called reverse...... middle of paper ......articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/23/science/la-sci-sn-baby-cured-of-hiv- report-20131023McNeil Jr. DG (July 3, 2012). Rapid home HIV test gets federal approval. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/health/oraquick-at-home-hiv-test-wins-fda-approval.html?_r=1&WebMD. (2013). HIV and AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/sexual-salute-aidsWebMD. (2012). HIV and AIDS health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/hiv-vaccines-where-are-we-nowWebMD. (2013). Understanding AIDS/HIV: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/understanding-aids-hiv-treatment?page=3World Health Organization. (2013). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs360/en/World Health Organization. (2013). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/qa/71/en/