AiDS

When I read the instructions for this blog, it really made me think.  I don't actually know as much as I thought I did about AIDS.  Basically, I know the basics.  The virus attacks your immune system and from there, it takes over your white blood cells and slowly destroys you until your body can't fight it anymore.  This virus is passed through sex and blood.  I also know that there is a stereotype that AIDS is a disease amongst the gay community, and this stereotype is false.  Finally, HIV can progress into AIDS.  These three simple points concludes my previous knowledge of AIDS.  I can't remember who taught them or where and when I learned them.  AIDS is a very serious issue going on today and I really want to learn more about it.  

The movie in Wednesday's class I enjoyed specifically because it showed more of the background of AIDS, the process and struggles all the doctors and CDC went through trying to figure out what the disease actually was!   I still think it is very weird that the majority of the first cases diagnosed were on gay men.  I know that this is because of the multiple partners they have, but its still shocking to me.  Then, when there was a case reported of a women having the same symptoms of all these men the doctors were completely thrown off.  This is when they discovered AIDS also occurs in drug users.  Something scary that happened in the movie was when people give/sell their blood, the virus has the potential to slip pass the filter system and can give patients in need of blood transfusions AIDS!! 

I would like to learn more about AIDS globally.  I  believe AIDS is most prevalent in Africa, but I would like to know how many cases are in the United States and Europe.  I would also like to learn about how far along scientists are in coming up with a cure for this awful epidemic!