HIV
Known as: HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
About: A virus that started in chimpanzees and passed to humans
Under The Microscope: Sphere shaped
What Can It Do: HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a very tricky virus that can enter your body and make some big changes. Unlike Rubella and the flu, it's not like a common cold. You can't catch it by sneezing or coughing. HIV spreads when you have certain body fluids, like blood, from someone who has HIV, get into your body. A mother can also give HIV to her baby before it's born.
HIV can make it hard for your superhero immune system to fight off other germs and infections. If you have HIV, you might not feel sick right away. It can take many years for any signs to show up. But if you don't get the right help, HIV can turn into a condition called AIDS, which makes it tough for your body to fight off infections. That's why it's important to know about HIV and how to stay safe.
Help: The good news is that we can be fight against HIV by being careful and informed. There are also special medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can help people with HIV stay healthy and live a normal life. HIV doesn't have a superhero shot like some other germs, but we can protect ourselves by being informed and staying safe.
Infectious Rating: HIV is not like a sneezy, contagious germ. It doesn't spread through the air or by touching or hugging someone with HIV. It only spreads when certain body fluids from someone with HIV get into your body, and usually in ways that involve needles or grown-up activities.
I Feel Sick: When someone has HIV, they might not feel sick for a long time. But as the virus grows in their body, they might start to feel tired, lose weight, have fevers, or get sick more often. If someone thinks they might have HIV, they should talk to a doctor, who can help them get the right medicine, and help from a specialist doctor.
Skin Symptoms: HIV doesn't cause rashes or skin symptoms like Rubella. It's more like a sneaky virus that affects your superhero immune system from the inside.
Geography + Statistics: HIV is a virus that has been around for a while, and it used to be a big problem. But thanks to doctors, scientists, and caring people, we've learned how to stay safe and protect ourselves. In some places in the world, there have been efforts to help people with HIV. However, in other parts of the world, there are still many people who need important help, advice and support as well as access to medicines. By being informed and supportive superheroes, we can help make the world a healthier and safer place for everyone.