Abby Reitz

College Prep Writing

Cause and Effect

15 Nov. 2017

Effects of HIV

The estimated number of Americans living with an STD is around 65 million and around

19 million new STD cases are reported every year. Of these 65 million STD cases, an estimated

470,000 are cases of HIV. Approximately 1 in 5 Americans are living with HIV and have not been

medically diagnosed (“STD Statistics”). The small percentage of HIV victims in America

contributes to the global number of cases of HIV, around 36.7 million. Globally, 30 percent of

people living with HIV do not know their status. Since the start of the epidemic, more than 78

million people have become infected (Sidibé). The number of people infected with HIV

continues to grow as people around the world continue to practice unsafe habits through

sexual contact.

The dilemma of HIV is severely growing in the world today, as the spread of HIV through

unprotected sexual contact becomes more of an issue. HIV is a progressive infection that causes

the symptoms to progress, and eventually lead to death if not properly treated. HIV is not only

a progressive infection, but a permanent infection as well. HIV infects the immune system and

renders the body defenseless. The progression of HIV causes severe damage to the immune

system. With the increase of HIV in the world today, it is crucial to understand the

circumstances of unprotected and unsafe sexual contact.

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HIV is typically acquired through sexual contact, more specifically, unprotected sexual

contact. The spread of HIV from person-to-person is known as HIV transmission and can only be

spread through certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and rectal fluids. HIV mainly spreads

through having unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a person who has acquired HIV. Having

unprotected sex can transmit HIV via bodily fluids. Improper or even inconsistent use of

condoms can increase the risk of HIV. While there is a small chance of obtaining HIV through

oral sex, it is still possible. Having multiple sexual partners can also increase the risk of the HIV

infection through unprotected sex. Practicing unsafe sex can lead to an increased chance of

acquiring HIV (“Basics HIV”).

The signs and symptoms of HIV can range from several symptoms to no symptoms. The

symptoms of HIV can go completely unnoticed until complications occur and a partner is

diagnosed. Short-term symptoms of HIV are similar to symptoms of the flu and can include

body rash, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, upset stomach, joint aches, muscle pain or

fever (“Symptoms HIV”). These symptoms may last up to a week or two and occur primarily

during the acute primary infection stage, which presents itself one to four weeks after

becoming infected with HIV. These symptoms occur as the body begins reacting to the HIV virus

as it attacks the immune system, leading into the long-term symptoms of HIV (Wingate).

Long-term symptoms of HIV occur during the symptomatic HIV infection stage and

causes severe damage to the immune system. Because of the severe damage to the immune

system, symptoms such as rapid weight loss, chronic diarrhea, night sweats, recurring fever,

pneumonia, mouth and skin irritation, regular infections and serious illnesses or diseases can

become prevalent (“Symptoms HIV”). While AIDS is not a direct symptom of HIV, it is a set of
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symptoms in itself because of long-term damage to the immune system. AIDS progresses from

the third, symptomatic HIV infection, stage of HIV. Although it is not common, death is also a

long-term symptom of HIV if not treated properly (Wingate).

There are many options to prevent acquiring HIV, especially someone sexually active.

Properly and safely using condoms is one method to defend someone from HIV. This would

include having less risky intercourse by using a condom (“Basics HIV”). Using a condom

correctly and every time during vaginal, anal, and oral sex can reduce the chances of obtaining

HIV. Another way to decrease the risk of HIV transmission is for a person to limit their number

of sexual partners. The more partners a person has, the more likely they are to encounter

someone with HIV. The proliferation of HIV is a problem as long as people continue to practice

unsafe sex (Center Disease Control).

The spread of HIV is heavily reliant on unsafe sex and incorrect or lack of condom usage.

Condom distribution can decrease the spread of HIV. Condom distribution programs, or CDPs,

increase condom use and prevent HIV and other STDs. An effective condom distribution

program can change the way a community thinks about and engages in safe sex behavior. To

achieve that goal, condom distribution programs should strive to make condoms available,

accessible, and acceptable. CDPs are also a part of a larger HIV prevention strategy and the

promotion of condom can decrease the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. The distribution of

free condoms in different venues, such as schools or workplaces, can increase societal health

outcomes. The implementation of CDPs in communal areas can help to address the problem of

HIV transmission by allowing people access to condoms (“HIV/AIDS”).

Works Cited
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Date last updated May 15, 2017. “Preventing

Sexual Transmission of HIV.” HIV.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 13

Sept. 2017. www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/reducing-sexual-risk/preventing-

sexual-transmission-of-hiv.

“HIV/AIDS.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. 9 June 2017.

www.cdc.gov/hiv/programresources/guidance/condoms/index.html.

Sidibé, Michel. “Global HIV and AIDS statistics.” AVERT. 1 Sept. 2017. www.avert.org/global-hiv-

and-aids-statistics.

“STD Statistics & Facts.” STD Statistics - Facts about STDs - STD Test Express. Analyte Health.

www.stdtestexpress.com/std-facts/.

“Symptoms of HIV.” Symptoms of HIV. HIV.gov. 31 Aug. 2017. www.hiv.gov/hiv-

basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/symptoms-of-hiv.

“The Basics of HIV Prevention Understanding HIV/AIDS.” National Institutes of Health, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, 19 May 2017,

aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/20/48/the-basics-of-hiv-

prevention.

Wingate, Corrie. “Symptoms and Stages of HIV Infection.” AVERT. 21 Sept. 2017.

https://www.avert.org/about-hiv-aids/symptoms-stages.