Running head: EPIDEMIOLOGY PAPER 1
Epidemiology Paper
Michele L. Agresti
Grand Canyon University: NRS-428VN
August 20, 2020
, EPIDEMIOLOGY PAPER 2
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Diseases can spread in many ways, for example some spread person to person, or even
animal to person. Many diseases spread by contact, bodily fluids, or through the air and range
from mild symptoms to severe and can even be deadly in nature (APHA, 2020). This paper will
look into the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, otherwise known as HIV. The HIV epidemic
reached an all time high in 1985 when 130,000 cases of HIV were reported that year (Rivier,
2017). This paper will address what HIV is and how it affects the lives of people infected, the
role of the community health nurse and supporting organization.
HIV and the Demographic of Interest
HIV is a virus that causes suppression of the immune system, and if not diagnosed and
treated can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is transmitted person to
person through sexual practices or through using/sharing needles that have been previously used
by another person with HIV. HIV is transmitted when the infected bodily fluids (blood, semen,
rectal fluids, or breast milk) come into contact with damaged tissue or a mucus membrane
(rectum, vagina, penis, or mouth). Transmission can also occur if the virus is introduced into the
bloodstream via a contaminated needle (CDC, 2020). The CDC reports the most common
method of transmission is having anal sex with someone who has HIV without the proper
protection. There is currently no cure for this disease, but with the appropriate continued
treatment HIV is now a controllable disease. People infected with HIV can be expected to live
long, healthy lives. The only 100% effective method of prevention is abstinence from all forms
of sexual practice, oral, vaginal, or anal. Condoms are extremely effective in preventing the
spread of all sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, when applied and used correctly. If an
individual practices risky sexual behavior then they should have a conversation with a health
Epidemiology Paper
Michele L. Agresti
Grand Canyon University: NRS-428VN
August 20, 2020
, EPIDEMIOLOGY PAPER 2
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Diseases can spread in many ways, for example some spread person to person, or even
animal to person. Many diseases spread by contact, bodily fluids, or through the air and range
from mild symptoms to severe and can even be deadly in nature (APHA, 2020). This paper will
look into the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, otherwise known as HIV. The HIV epidemic
reached an all time high in 1985 when 130,000 cases of HIV were reported that year (Rivier,
2017). This paper will address what HIV is and how it affects the lives of people infected, the
role of the community health nurse and supporting organization.
HIV and the Demographic of Interest
HIV is a virus that causes suppression of the immune system, and if not diagnosed and
treated can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is transmitted person to
person through sexual practices or through using/sharing needles that have been previously used
by another person with HIV. HIV is transmitted when the infected bodily fluids (blood, semen,
rectal fluids, or breast milk) come into contact with damaged tissue or a mucus membrane
(rectum, vagina, penis, or mouth). Transmission can also occur if the virus is introduced into the
bloodstream via a contaminated needle (CDC, 2020). The CDC reports the most common
method of transmission is having anal sex with someone who has HIV without the proper
protection. There is currently no cure for this disease, but with the appropriate continued
treatment HIV is now a controllable disease. People infected with HIV can be expected to live
long, healthy lives. The only 100% effective method of prevention is abstinence from all forms
of sexual practice, oral, vaginal, or anal. Condoms are extremely effective in preventing the
spread of all sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, when applied and used correctly. If an
individual practices risky sexual behavior then they should have a conversation with a health
