Andrew Floyd
HCS 1100
Professor Wells
Over the course of civilization, man has used science as a tool in which to
manipulate and reinvent previous medical levels. Several advancements in medical
tactics have paved the way for physicians to be able to better care for their patients.
Ongoing research throughout the twentieth century saved millions of lives, with such
inventions as penicillin and other disease fighting antibiotics. Advancements such as
these have been a staple throughout modern medical history. Aggressive research allowed
researchers to completely eradicate many deadly illnesses during the last century. As a
new century opens, a new epidemic has appeared on the horizon. The HIV virus has
killed millions over the past twenty years, and countless others are currently effected
around the world. The two web sites used to find this information were
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/ and http:/www.thebody.com/. These sites gave quality
information that seemed current and non-controversial in today’s medical community.
While the CHI web site gave great information on the history and current status of
the HIV virus, The Body web site gave a greater emphasis on the educational aspect of
prevention. There also appeared to be a difference in the way the two web sites reported
possible developments in the research of new drugs. While the CHI appeared more
conservative in their reporting of developments, The Body web site seemed to be more
liberal. Both web sites are affiliated with the American Medical Association, and contain
many articles from their member physicians. While I did find there to be subtle
differences between the two web sites, many of the same articles were featured on both
pages as well.
The HIV virus appeared on the world scene in 1981 with the first case being
reported in the United States. This sexually transmitted disease has become one of the
leading killers in the world today. The disease works by systematically destroying the
body’s ability to fight off invading viruses. By breaking down these anti-bodies the body
is open to infections referred to as opportunistic infections by the medical community.
The HIV virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, and is most usually acquired
through unprotected sex and the shared use of intravenous needles. Though in the past
