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AIDS/aids
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Question
what does aids do to the human body?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system: the system responsible for fighting off illnesses. It does this by replicating itself and killing off T-cells. Once a person's T-cells fall below a certain level (200) and they have contracted an opportunistic infection, they are given an AIDS diagnosis. AIDS on the other hand, can affect the body in many different ways. Because people can be given an AIDS diagnosis and all have different opportunistic infections, there's no way to say in general how AIDS affects the body. When a person has AIDS, HIV is still attacking their immune system, and they are getting sick as a result.
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Kristen Brannock, MPH
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience
I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college.
I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.
Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health
Health Behavior and Health Education
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
(formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)
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