Viruses don’t have a cell structure and although they can reproduce, they can’t metabolise on their own. They require a host cell to replicate and to synthesise new products, like a parasite. But what’s so special about the HI-virus?

Firstly, it attacks the immune system and destroys the body’s natural defences against disease.  It particularly targets the CD4 cells, which include Th CD4+ cells and macrophages.

While Th (T helper) cells can’t kill infected cells or pathogens, these cells are involved in activating and directing other immune cells, especially the CD4 cells.

Simply put, Th cells are the managers of the immune system and without them, the body can’t direct its defence forces. HIV attacks the central point in the immune system and also multiplies and remain in the immune cells for a long time, increasing your risk of infecting someone else.

Secondly, HIV is always changing. It isn’t just one single strain of virus. There are multiple strains that change and adapt quickly within the host, making it very difficult for the immune system  (or what is left of it) to attack the virus. These multiple, changing strains also make it difficult, if not impossible, to develop a vaccine.

Thirdly, because a person can be infected with HIV without developing AIDS, the virus has a long latency period. Detection, without testing, is very difficult because symptoms can take a long time to become visible. The virus can also remain in a person’s body for many years without causing serious health problems. Eventually, most people who are infected with HIV develop AIDS unless medication protocols are strictly adhered to. The infected person needs to do everything in his power to ensure that the virus doesn’t progress to AIDS, which is fatal within a year or two.

Finally, HIV strikes where humans are the most vulnerable – in the bedroom. The virus is transmitted through blood, sex and breast-milk, making intimate contact with other people dangerous. But humans are social animals. We need intimate contact with our loved ones. Talk about being hit where it hurts most.

While HIV may be the genius of all viral infections, there have been huge leaps and bounds towards finding ways to limit the reach of the disease, with antiretrovirals being used with the best results. When dealing with such a intelligent disease, you need to be on top of your game. You need to get to grips with the situation as quickly as possible, line up your defences, get your support system together and stay healthy.

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