Hiv A Modern Atlantian Epidemic - 1725 Words

HIV: A Modern Atlantian Epidemic HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a global issue that is classified as a pandemic by the CDC and WHO, however an epidemic is on the rise at an alarming rate in Atlanta, Georgia. This cluster in downtown Atlanta is being contributed to several factors, including poverty, a greater percentage of African-American residents and behaviors that increase the risk of HIV, including unsafe gay sex and injection drug use. Approximately half of newly diagnosed HIV patients in Atlanta have unknowingly progressed to full-blown AIDS, according to testing conducted by Grady Hospital (Archer, 2015). A disquieting amount of those patients, approximately 8%, reside within the same 30303 zip code as the hospital itself (Archer, 2015). According to the CDC more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 8 (12.8%) are unaware of their infection with Atlanta’s HIV positive rate ranking fifth highest in the nation (CDC, HIV in the United States : At A Glance, 2015).While the words HIV and AIDS are still considered taboo with a significant stigma attached, this incurable disease is treatable and with early testing available and prevention combine with transmission education can increase an individual’s overall life expectancy and quality of life. Pathology of HIV HIV is a retrovirus that that contains RNA and is a member of the subfamily of viruses called lentivirus, in this group infection develops slowly. ItShow MoreRelatedHiv : A Modern Atlantian Epidemic1600 Words   |  7 PagesHIV: A Modern Atlantian Epidemic HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a global issue that is classified as a pandemic by the CDC and WHO, however an epidemic is on the rise at an alarming rate in Atlanta, Georgia. This cluster in downtown Atlanta is being contributed to several factors, including poverty, a greater percentage of African-American residents and behaviors that increase the risk of HIV, including unsafe gay sex and injection drug use. Approximately half of newly diagnosed HIV patients