When you become infected with HIV, the virus attacks your CD4 lymphocytes (also called T helper or T4 cells), a type of white blood cell that is responsible for fighting certain infections (germs). ( See figure 1) The virus first attaches to the CD4 cell (1) and injects its genetic material (RNA). The RNA then instructs the CD4 cell to produce more of the virus (2). These new viruses (virions) are then released into the bloodstream (3) and the CD4 cell is destroyed.

Once HIV enters the body, it gets attached to a type of white blood cell called T lymphocyte (which is the T cell in the human body's protection against infections). The RNA (genetic material) of the virus then gets converted to DNA (genetic material) by an enzyme that the virus produces. This viral DNA then gets incorporated into the DNA of the human cell (T lymphocyte), and remains there for the lifetime of that cell.

Many of the cells and molecules that carry out inflammation belong to the immune system, which consists of a brigade of specialized cells, tissues, and natural chemical substances that continually protect the body from harm.

The organs of the immune system are situated throughout the body. We know them as lymph nodes, and these are often what predominantly swell in the neck, groin, and armpit area when our bodies are under attack. Lymph is a transparent fluid containing mainly lymphocytes (small white blood cells), which bear the major responsibility for carrying out the activities of the immune system, and macrophages.

HIV impedes the proper functioning of the immune system which is our body's shield against disease. Individuals with the virus develop harmful conditions (called opportunistic infections) that don't usually affect other people. Some people develop symptoms shortly after being infected. For others it can take more than 10 years.

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical components of immune system function. Research shows that low NK cell activity is present in nearly all illnesses. NK cells defend the body against attack by foreign invaders. NK cells are non-specific, meaning they attack any target including bacteria, tumor or virally infected cells. The NK's ability to randomly attack a wide range of foreign invaders is the basis of the name "natural killer" cell.

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Sustenex with GanedenBC30 boosts your immune system by replenishing your digestive tract with beneficial bacteria cells, otherwise known as probiotics. These probiotics help boost your immune system by keeping the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria balanced, creating an optimal environment in which the immune system can function.

No. The test for HIV can only tell you if you have been infected or not. Transmission of the virus does not necessarily occur every time exposure occurs. The only way for an individual to tell if he/she has been infected with HIV is to be tested. If you are unsure of your partner's status, you may want to consider talking to him/her about it and using protection (latex condoms or dental dams) to reduce your risk.

Inside your body there is an amazing "protection" mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins, and parasites that are constantly trying to invade your body. The immune system is made up of numerous parts of the body, such as the thymus gland, lymph nodes, lymphocytes, and interferon, among others.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) competitively inhibit the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins by replacing the arachidonic acid with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cell membranes.

Most illnesses are accompanied by a fever. During a fever, the body heats up to eliminate viruses and attack foreign agents. Often misunderstood, this rise in temperature is a natural stage of the immune system's healing process and is one of the best ways to rid the body of chemicals and unwelcome visitors. The immune system weakens the hold of viruses and bacterial growth. FIR heat therapy induces an "artificial fever" by heating up the body but without the pains of an illness.

Any living organisms have an immune system that destroys the external bacteria, toxic chemicals, and any neoplasm cells caused from mutation. The organism survives through fighting against these external harms. A healthy person has an immune system that is in order and is strong enough to fight against any harmful factors. However, the immune system has weakened due to excessive stress, diet disorders, and unhealthy life patterns, which eventually cause serious diseases and infections.

The first documented cases of AIDS was on the 5th of June 1981, in the USA, and five people were affected with the disease. However there were reported (but not documented) cases of occurrence of HIV in 1959, But not much information was gathered on the later event. REF: FIRST OUTBREAK OF AIDS

Averagely, it takes ten years for an HIV + positive person to develop the disease condition known as AIDS. However the years may be lower or higher depending on the treatment and care such patient receives. REF: Symptoms of AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the AIDS virus) helps TB germs make you sick by attacking the germ fighters in your body. If you are infected with HIV and with TB germs, you have a very big chance of getting TB disease. The TB germs are much more likely to attack your lungs and other parts of the body. You can be cured, but it takes longer to cure someone with TB disease who also has HIV infection. If you think you might have HIV infection, talk to your doctor about getting an HIV test.

According to the CDC, prior to 1996, scientists estimated that about half the people with HIV would develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varied greatly from person to person and depended on many factors, including a person's health status and their health-related behaviors. Since 1996, the introduction of powerful anti-retroviral therapies has dramatically changed the progression time between HIV infection and the development of AIDS.

Around 90% of children contract the virus by mother to baby transmission. Children can also be infected via blood/blood products if these are not screened for HIV and by contaminated needles. Mother to baby transmission only accounts for about 2% of total HIV infections.

The immune system is one of the human body's most diverse and intricate. There are two forms of immunity, innate immunity which is present at birth, and adaptive immunity. This second form is divided into two types, humoral immunity (antibody formation), the responsibility of B-cells (bone marrow derived) and cell-mediated immunity, the responsibility of T-cells (thymus derived).