Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and its more severe manifestation, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), have been significant global health issues since their discovery in the early 1980s. Understanding the origins of HIV/AIDS, how it works, and its effects on individuals and society is crucial for addressing the ongoing challenges related to this virus. The origins of HIV can be traced back to primates in Central and West Africa. The virus is believed to have evolved from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which infects certain species of monkeys and apes. The most common strain, HIV-1, is thought to have originated from SIV found in chimpanzees. The transmission of the virus to humans likely occurred through humans coming into contact with infected animal blood during hunting and consumption of infected animal meat. Although HIV was first recognized in the United States in the 1980s, studies suggest that the virus may have been circulating in human populations as early as the 1950s. The epidemic gained widespread attention as it began to affect various populations across the globe, particularly among marginalized groups. Factors such as urbanization, increased travel, and changes in sexual behavior contributed to the rapid spread of HIV, leading to millions of infections and deaths worldwide. HIV attacks the immune system by specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for the body’s ability to fight infections. As the virus replicates, it diminishes the number of these critical cells, leading to a weakened immune response. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS.

The signs and symptoms of HIV infection can vary based on the stage of the disease. In the acute phase, occurring within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. This stage is often mistaken for other viral infections, making it difficult to diagnose. After the acute phase, many individuals may remain asymptomatic for years, during which the virus continues to replicate. However, without treatment, the immune system will eventually become severely compromised. This would then lead to AIDS, resulting in life-threatening infections, cancers, and severe immune deficiency. A key concept in understanding HIV infection is “viral load,” which refers to the amount of HIV present in a person’s blood. It is measured in copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood. A higher viral load indicates a greater quantity of the virus, which correlates with a heightened risk of disease progression and transmission to others. Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce viral load to undetectable levels, significantly lowering the likelihood of transmitting the virus to sexual partners. The concept of “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) has become a crucial message in HIV prevention efforts. It emphasizes that individuals on ART who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. This understanding empowers those living with HIV to manage their health effectively and engage in intimate relationships without fear of transmission.

The impact of HIV/AIDS on today’s society is profound. Stigma surrounding HIV and the individuals living with it continue, creating barriers to testing, treatment, and support. Many people face social isolation and discrimination in employment and healthcare settings due to misconceptions about the virus. Despite these challenges, significant advancements have been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV. The development of effective antiretroviral medications has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. Additionally, preventive measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV transmission among high-risk populations.

HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live. However, certain groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of particular factors, including the communities in which they live, what subpopulations they belong to, and their risk behaviors. When you live in a community where many people have HIV, the chance of being exposed to the virus by having sex or sharing needles or other injection equipment with someone who has HIV is higher. In the United States, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are the population most affected by HIV. By race/ethnicity, Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Also, transgender women who have sex with men are among the groups at highest risk for HIV infection. People who inject drugs remain at significant risk for getting HIV as well. Education and awareness campaigns are essential in combating stigma and promoting understanding of HIV. Public health initiatives focusing on increasing access to testing, treatment, and support services are critical in controlling the epidemic and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Understanding the nature of HIV, its viral load implications, and the signs and symptoms associated with the infection are essential for effective management and prevention. While significant progress has been made in treatment and education, ongoing efforts are necessary to combat stigma, enhance access to care, and support individuals living with HIV in today’s society.

Submitted by
Felicia Washington
Member of the LLGI DEI Committee