HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects human beings. Although similar symptoms are found on other animals this virus cannot be transferred to human without fluid transfer from the infected source. The virus creates a deficiency in the human immune system causing it slow down its proper function in the body. The viruses that are responsible for HIV need the human cells to reproduce it and propagate at the expense of the host. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects certain white blood cells in the body - CD4 T-cells. These cells are a responsible in creating the immune system of the body. When these cells are infected by the virus it will be difficult for the infected individual to ward off infection and disease, because their defence mechanism in the body weakens. This condition is now called “HIV disease”. 

The disease is not as simple as it sounds normally the person who is infected with the virus has no symptoms or outwards signs if he or she is infected at all. Since the virus causes a slow and subtle damage in the immune system, before the person knew that he or she is infected the damage has been in the advance stage already.  Within 24 hours of infection the body are able to destroy the virus in the body. However for every virus particles that is destroyed a new one is created. This cycle will take up to months until the virus regain full control of your immune system and all your cells. 

HIV can penetrate the human body through open wounds, cuts or sores and by there it will directly infect the cells and the mucus membranes. Transmission can take place in the mouth, eyes, vagina, rectum, penis and anus. Though HIV cannot affect a healthy unbroken skin it is therefore advisable to take care in front of this individual because they can easily get infected by us. They are the one’s that has a weak immune system and therefore we should consider also the health risk we pose upon this individual.

The pathway of the virus in infecting a human is as follows: 

• Through blood transfusion
• Sexual Transmission - it ca be transmitted via unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. Through a partner that is infected. The virus can be easily passed through the mucus membranes of the genital area and the rectum.
• Sharing needles - to inject illegal drugs or other forms that a person is able to share needles. This is a convenient way for the virus to go directly to the bloodstream and infect another human being.
• Mother to infant transfer - a mother that has been infecting with the virus can easily transmit it during pregnancy, lactation or by exposure on the mother’s blood and fluid during birth.  

There are bodily fluids that are said to be non infectious fluids. Like the tears, urine, sweat, feces, saliva and vomit. Although there are HIV found to be present in this body fluids their concentration is not enough that it warrant an alarm to infect a person. These fluids will pose danger if there is the presence of blood in it. A small concentration of blood found in these fluids could infect a person.