The origin of AIDS has resurfaced in the media as we discover it having entered human populations much earlier then we had originally thought. This new information came to us by way of DNA analysis of the current HIV virus. Scientists now guess that HIV jump to human populations from monkeys in the early 1900′s. This has gone a long way to finally putting to rest conspiracy theorists who believed that HIV had been transmitted to humans during polio vaccination trials. HIV was transmitted to the human population from monkeys when people who hunted them came in contact with blood from infected animals while butchering them. A number of viruses humans have today have gotten into our population in similar ways including bird flu.

HIV 1 is the more virulent and common of the HIV strains. HIV 1 is the strain that infects most the world and qualifies HIV as a pandemic. HIV II is the less common strain of HIV that is less virulent. HIV 2 is mostly confined to West Africa, and not as prevalent. Both HIV 1 and HIV 2 are transmitted by bodily fluids. This means that the prevention of HIV rests on safe, and non risky practices. Including the use of condoms and safe sex practices. AIDS occurs when HIV/AIDS has progressed to the point as to promote opportunistic infections and other AIDS defining illnesses.

As treatments become more available the battle against HIV becomes more viable. Prevention needs to be a central pillar in combating HIV/AIDS, as well as aggressive treatment. HAART regimens (combinations of AIDS drugs) are the primary weapon we have and it has been very effective in slowing the progression of HIV. Breakthroughs like these have helped patients live a much longer and healthier life. Another essential element in winning the battle against HIV is education, we need more broad base HIV education. Misinformation and lack of understanding has been a huge contributer to the spread of HIV.