HIV and AIDS The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was discovered in 1983. It is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system. It also directly…
HIV and AIDS The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was discovered in 1983. It is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system. It also directly and indirectly destroys cells required for the proper functioning of the immune system. The immune system functions poorly leading to the syndrome known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is transmitted in body fluids through sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles (by IV drug abusers), contact with contaminated blood or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products. AIDS occurs when HIV has damaged the patient's immune system. The patient's lymphocytes cannot fight infection properly. Bacteria and viruses, which cause mild illnesses in healthy people, cause severe life-threatening diseases in patient with AIDS. These diseases are called opportunistic infections. Patients with AIDS can die of chickenpox which is usually a very mild disease of children. There is no cure of AIDS but some drugs can slow the progress of the disease. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs can often cure opportunistic infections but they are very expensive. In many countries people die from opportunistic infections because they are not insured and cannot afford treatment. Many people are prejudiced against those who are HIV-positive. This prejudice is sometimes caused by ignorance. Some people think that they can catch AIDS by shaking hands with an HIV-positive person, eating at the same table or even talking to him on the telephone! That is why patients who are HIV-positive are under severe psychological stress. Thus the task of the physician is not only to search for a cure for AIDS but also to teach his patients to prevent it and to educate the public in order to reduce prejudice and discrimination against HIV-positive people Задание 1. Найдите английские эквиваленты в тексте. Жизненно важный компонент, иммунная система, прямо или косвенно, должное функционирование, известный как, зараженная игла, бактерии и вирусы, здоровые люди, болезни опасные для жизни, ветряная оспа, детская болезнь, некоторые лекарства, замедлять процесс, через рукопожатие, разговаривать по телефону, психологический стресс, задание врача, уменьшить предубеждение, дискриминация против. Задание 2. Ответьте на вопросы. 1. When was HIV discovered? 2. What do the abbreviations HIV (AIDS) stand for? 3. How is AIDS transmitted? 4. What are opportunistic infections? 5. Can patients with AIDS die of chickenpox? 6. Is it possible to catch AIDS by shaking hands with an HIV-positive person? 7. What is the role of the physician while treating a patient with AIDS? Задание 3. Выберите одну из следующих тем и напишите мини-эссе. 1. Do you believe that HIV is really an issue in the Russian Federation? 2. “100 new HIV cases are registered every day. Young people between 15 and 29 years make up some 70% of infected persons.” What do you think should be done immediately? 3. What in your opinion can be done to help this World AIDS Day? 4. Why is it so important to ensure that everyone can access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support? 5. Do you really believe we can help people living with HIV? What can be done? 6. President Putin calls for urgent measures to stem the HIV epidemic in Russia. What kind of measures? 7. Could you comment on social and economic consequences of the epidemic? 8. “One in seven young people in Britain would not stay friends with someone who had HIV, a British survey suggests.” What do you think about it?
Задание 1. Найдите английские эквиваленты в тексте.
- Жизненно важный компонент - vital component
- Иммунная система - immune system
- Прямо или косвенно - directly and indirectly
- Должное функционирование - proper functioning
- Известный как - known as
- Зараженная игла - contaminated needle
- Бактерии и вирусы - bacteria and viruses
- Здоровые люди - healthy people
- Болезни опасные для жизни - life-threatening diseases
- Ветряная оспа - chickenpox
- Детская болезнь - mild disease of children
- Некоторые лекарства - some drugs
- Замедлять процесс - slow the progress
- Через рукопожатие - by shaking hands
- Разговаривать по телефону - talking to him on the telephone
- Психологический стресс - psychological stress
- Задание врача - task of the physician
- Уменьшить предубеждение - reduce prejudice
- Дискриминация против - discrimination against
Задание 2. Ответьте на вопросы.
When was HIV discovered?
- HIV was discovered in 1983.
What do the abbreviations HIV (AIDS) stand for?
- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
How is AIDS transmitted?
- AIDS is transmitted through body fluids via sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles, contact with contaminated blood, or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.
What are opportunistic infections?
- Opportunistic infections are diseases caused by bacteria and viruses that occur due to the weakened immune system of an individual with AIDS.
Can patients with AIDS die of chickenpox?
- Yes, patients with AIDS can die of chickenpox, which is usually a mild disease in healthy people.
Is it possible to catch AIDS by shaking hands with an HIV-positive person?
- No, it is not possible to catch AIDS by shaking hands with an HIV-positive person.
What is the role of the physician while treating a patient with AIDS?
- The role of the physician is to search for a cure for AIDS, teach patients about prevention, and educate the public to reduce prejudice and discrimination against HIV-positive individuals.
Задание 3. Эссе на тему:
Why is it so important to ensure that everyone can access HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support?
Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it is essential in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which continues to pose a significant public health challenge globally. Ensuring universal access means that more individuals can receive the necessary education and resources to prevent transmission. Effective prevention strategies—such as education about safe sex practices, needle exchange programs, and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—can significantly reduce the rate of new infections.
Furthermore, access to treatment is vital not just for the health of those living with HIV but also for public health. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps individuals living with HIV lead longer, healthier lives and, importantly, suppresses the viral load to undetectable levels, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others. This concept supports the principle of "treatment as prevention," which is a powerful tool in controlling the disease's spread.
Care and support services are equally important. Living with HIV can be a challenging and isolating experience, often compounded by stigma and discrimination. Access to psychological support, social services, and community resources can help individuals navigate their diagnosis and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, these supports can assist in addressing the social determinants of health that often affect marginalized communities most severely, such as poverty and lack of education.
In summary, ensuring that everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support is not only a humanitarian and moral obligation but is also integral to controlling the HIV epidemic and reducing its social and economic impact. By providing these resources, we foster healthier communities and work towards a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat.
