Draft #1 Research Paper

Esmeralda Santa

English 21003, Section M

Professor Matyakubova

1 November 2017

First Draft on Research Paper

                                                               A Disease Ripping Nations Apart

        In 2016, 1 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide and a reported 36.7 

million people were living with HIV (unaids.com). Since it was first clinically discovered in 1981 

this deadly disease has spread all over the world, affecting all types of people. Human 

immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) occurs in four stages, the deadliest last stage being acquired 

immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is known as a silent killer because often times a person 

might not know they have the disease until they are far into the AIDS stage. HIV is considered 

deadly because it targets the immune system of people and it weakens their defense against 

infections and other kinds of cancers (World Health Organization).  A person’s immune system is 

very important because it helps fight against infections and microorganisms that try to make us sick. 

Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments available. Despite these treatments 

people believe that the most effective way to protect yourself is using condoms. This concept has 

created controversy for many such as religious leaders who believe using condoms is not effective, 

but people should practice abstinence instead. Since it was first discovered, HIV/AIDS has left a 

lasting turmoil upon mankind. This disease has not only affected the people’s health, but has left a 

hole in their pocket, labeled them as outcasts in society, and forced them to receive backlash from 

media and religious places.

       Often times some people believe that HIV and AIDS mean the same thing, but on the contrary 

they are results of each other. HIV is a virus that enters your immune system and destroys white 

blood cells called T-helper cells, while making copies of itself inside the T-helper cells (avert.org). 

This creates a problem because as the virus makes copies of itself, it also destroys the immune 

system. AIDS on the other hand, is not a virus but a set of symptoms caused by the HIV virus 

(avert.org). AIDS is considered the last stage of HIV and it occurs when the immune system is just 

too weak to “fight off the infection and they develop certain defining symptoms and illnesses” 

(avert.org). AIDS is considered the dangerous stage because if a person does not treat it, they will 

die.

         HIV/AIDS can be transmitted in three ways: exposure to infected bodily fluids, from mother to 

baby during pregnancy, and through sexual conduct.