This is a subject I don't know a lot about. I heard part of a NPR discussion where the expert said the epidemic was spiraling out of control. But the only numbers I caught were 3000 deaths, 5000 new cases last year, and I don't know if that was worldwide or just the US.
Does anyone have the UN statistics?
HIV is a virus, in the same class as ebola, which attacks and replicates in white blood cells.
AIDS is a syndrome, where people die of secondary infection (usually pneumonia) because their bodies can't fight infections.
There are millions of people whose HIV infections are being controlled by treatment, millions more who need treatment. None of these have AIDS, but all could develop it.
I haven't heard anything about different strains of HIV (mutations). Also haven't heard of any vaccine that eliminates it.
Incidently, if you don't know whether you have HIV, participate in a blood drive or visit you local blood bank any time. They will take your donation, and since they test all blood now you will receive a copy of the results for free.
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