human
I've heard that the AIDS virus is back in the news again. What is it and what is being done about it?
assistant
The HIV/AIDS virus is a retrovirus which infects human cells, causing them to produce more copies of itself. It is spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission. Since 1981, when the first cases were reported, there has been an enormous amount of research into treatments for this disease. Currently, there are many drugs available that can help people living with HIV/AIDS manage their symptoms and live longer, healthier lives. These drugs include antiretrovirals (ARVs) such as AZT, 3TC, and protease inhibitors, as well as non-ARV medications like integrase inhibitors and entry inhibitors.