A comparative approach 

between Corona Virus and HIV,

emphasizing the methods of prevention

A first personal clarification before starting the study based on this

topic, I believe that there is a big difference between Covid 19 and HIV.
HIV being a much more serious virus that must be treated with the
utmost seriousness and prevention measures must be treated with full
seriousness and a sense of responsibility for your health because this
virus marks the rest of your life from my point of view. First I will take
them one by one, studying and understanding what each one means and
then I will do the comparative analysis. I will attach for the beginning
some detailed information about these viruses, after which I will present
the opinion and the comparative analysis at the end of this very
interesting study.
What is AIDS? AIDS is an infectious and communicable disease,
caused by a virus (HIV), which, entering the body, acts on the immune
system (defense of the body), gradually reducing its ability to act, until
destruction.
The name "AIDS" comes from the initials:
S - syndrome (the set of symptoms, signs that characterize a disease)
  I - immuno- (related to immunity, the defense that the body can provide
against aggressors, against agents that can cause a disease)
  D - deficiency (weakening of the immune system's defense capacity)
  A - acquired from French (acquired, earned during life).
So, AIDS is the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
 What is HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the name of
the virus that attacks the immune system. The HIV virus mainly attacks
a certain type of cell in the immune system, called CD4 or T4. These
cells, once infected, allow the virus to multiply, after which they die.
Therefore, the immune system weakens and the body is more exposed to
infections. When the HIV virus enters the body, anti-HIV antibodies
develop and the person becomes "HIV-positive.
BEING HIV-positive does NOT mean having the disease, but just a
carrier of the virus.
How does the HIV virus enter the body? The transmission of the HIV
virus is done mainly through the following ways:
 through contaminated blood and blood products;
 through unprotected sexual intercourse;
 from mother to child (vertical transmission).
Transmission from mother to child can be done:
 during pregnancy;
 during birth;
 during breastfeeding.
How can we protect ourselves?
HIV is a virus that lives very little outside the body. To avoid contact
with this virus, it is mandatory:
 the use of disposable gloves whenever it comes in contact with
blood or any secretions of the body;
 disinfection of wounds with antiseptic products;
 individual use of toothbrush, razor, needles, syringes, nail scissors,
earrings;
  the use of disposable syringes and needles, which will not be
reused;
 avoiding sexual contacts with multiple partners;
 condom use during sexual intercourse, especially in case of
accidental partners;
 avoiding bloody maneuvers (piercings, tattoos).

Warning: the contraceptive pill does not protect against sexually

transmitted diseases, so neither does HIV infection. VIRUS
CARRIER(https://www.dsptimis.ro/promovare/1%20decembrie.html)
Symptoms of AIDS infection
The clinical picture of this infection shows a great variability, from long
asymptomatic periods, to a fulminant evolution. From the moment of
infection there are a series of evolutionary stages.
Acute infection - Nonspecific symptoms that may occur during the first
month after infected contact. HIV infection is rarely diagnosed during
this period. This primary infection looks like an infectious
mononucleosis:
o fever that can last for a month;
o swelling of the lymph nodes;
o curvatures, joint pain;
o rash that evokes measles - or sometimes hives;
o painful dysphagia (swallowing weight).

During this phase, acute candidiasis has also been described, which
affects the mucous membranes, as well as mouth ulcers. Neurological
manifestations occur much less frequently: acute lymphocytic
meningitis, facial paralysis, myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy,
encephalitis. This primary infection disappears spontaneously in about a
month.
The asymptomatic stage of AIDS infection
It lasts from 1 to 10 years (or more) and corresponds to a multiplication
phase of the virus. This period may not translate into any symptoms. In
20% to 50% of cases it is manifested by generalized and persistent
lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes). They are generally
symmetrical and more frequently affect the cervical, maxillary,
submaxillary and occipital regions.
Symptomatic stage of AIDS infection
The progression of the infection continues. Symptomatology appears
pathology of HIV infections.
AIDS stage - It is defined by the decrease of CD4 cells below 200 cells /
mmc, or by the appearance of a defining AIDS pathology.
As the virus multiplies and degrades the body's immune system,
symptoms and manifestations of HIV can occur frequently, such as:
o Feeling of chronic fatigue;
o Inflammation of the lymph nodes;
o Breathing problems;
o Fever and chills;
o Weight loss;
o Dry cough.

In advanced stages of infection, AIDS also appears, manifested by

symptoms such as:
o Chronic diarrhea;
 o Occurrence of lymphomas and recurrent infections;
o Skin irritations;
o The appearance of genital herpes;
o Constant headaches;
o Lack of energy associated with fatigue at the slightest effort;
o Pallor;
o Night sweats.

Treatment of AIDS infection

Treatment involves the administration of antiretroviral drugs that act at
various stages of viral replication. The treatment of HIV infection is
always combined (based on drug combinations), with several
antiretrovirals being administered to ensure the blocking of several viral
replication mechanisms.
Once started, treatment should be continued for life because
discontinuation of treatment leads to loss of benefits gained during
therapy (growth or maintenance of CD4 cells) and is associated with an
increased risk of developing resistance to the drugs used.

In the absence of treatment, life expectancy in HIV infection is much

lower, mortality being mainly attributed to the progression of AIDS and
the association of opportunistic infections. Under effective treatment,
life expectancy increases, reaching values similar to those of the HIV-
free population. (https://www.medlife.ro/glosar-medical/afectiuni-
medicale/sida-cauze-simptome-tratament)
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently
discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were not known
before the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and dry
cough. Some patients may still have a headache, nasal congestion, sore
throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild, with a gradual
onset. Some people get infected, but they do not develop any symptoms
and do not feel bad. Most people (about 80%) recover without the need
for special treatment. About 1 in 6 people with COVID-19 becomes
seriously ill and has difficulty breathing. Older people, as well as those
with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart
problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop a severe form. About
2% of people suffering from this disease have died. People with fever,
cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
How is COVID-19 spreading?
People can get COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease
can be transmitted from one person to another through secretions in the
form of small drops, which are spread when the infected person coughs
or sneezes. These drops are placed on the surrounding objects and
surfaces. Other people get COVID-19 by touching these objects or
surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also get
COVID-19 if they breathe directly into the secretions spread by an
infected person who coughs or sneezes. This is why it is important to
stay more than 1 meter from a sick person.
WHO is evaluating ongoing research into how COVID-19 is widespread
and will continue to share the updated results.
Can CoVID-19 be given by a person who has no symptoms?
The main way to spread the disease is through drops expelled by
someone who coughs or sneezes. The risk of COVID-19 infection from
someone who has no symptoms is very low. Many people with COVID-
19 have only mild symptoms. This is especially true in the early stages
of the disease. Therefore, it is possible to get COVID-19 from someone
who has, for example, only a mild cough without feeling sick.
WHO is evaluating ongoing research on the COVID-19 transmission
period and will continue to share the updated results.
Who is at risk of developing severe forms of the disease?
Information is still being gathered on how COVID-19 affects people.
The elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as
high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes) appear to develop a
serious form of the disease more often than the other categories.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
Not. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial
infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work.
Antibiotics should not be used as a means of preventing or treating
COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a doctor to treat a
bacterial infection.
Is there a vaccine, medicine or treatment for COVID-19?
Not yet. To date, there are no specific vaccines and antiviral drugs that
prevent or treat COVID-19. Those affected should take care to relieve
symptoms. People with serious illnesses should be hospitalized. Most
patients recover from the care they receive in the early stages.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are being
investigated. These are tested by clinical trials. WHO coordinates efforts
to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is
to clean your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough, and
keep a distance of at least 1 meter from people who cough or sneeze.
(https://www.cdt-babes.ro/articole/coronavirus-infectia-COVID-19.php)

Following the in-depth study with the help of the sources sought and
the sources received in the course related to this topic (A comparative
approach between Corona Virus and HIV, emphasizing the methods of
prevention) we reached some comparative conclusions.
   First of all, HiV and Covid 19 are transmissible viruses but with
different degrees of mortality. Covid 19 is fatal in people with health
problems, the body's immunity failing to cope and giving up at one time,
the elderly and people with diseases Pre-existing medical conditions
(such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes) appear to
develop a serious form of the disease, more often than other categories,
and HIV is fatal when not controlled by treatment. depending on the
body of each person, as evidenced by today's statistics where we have
heard many cures when HIV is for almost the rest of life or is cured very
hard and there are very few people who have reached this performance.
   Secondly, I do not deny that there are some similarities related to
symptoms, such as fatigue and dry cough, fever, but these are the only
ones compared to HIV where the symptoms have a more pronounced
manifestation such as the appearance of chronic fatigue. , inflammation
of the lymph nodes, breathing problems, weight loss; the appearance of
lymphomas and recurrent infections, skin irritations, the appearance of
genital herpes, constant headaches, lack of energy associated with the
appearance of fatigue at the slightest effort;
    Thirdly, the mode of transmission is totally different, the
transmission of the HIV virus is done mainly through the following
ways: through contaminated blood and blood products; through
unprotected sex; from mother to child (vertical transmission) while
Covid 19 is transmitted from one person to another through secretions in
the form of small droplets, which are spread when the infected person
coughs or sneezes. These drops are placed on the surrounding objects
and surfaces. Other people get COVID-19 by touching these objects or
surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also get
COVID-19 if they breathe directly into the secretions spread by an
infected person who coughs or sneezes.
       Fourth, the mode of prevention differs, HIV is a virus that lives
very little outside the body. To avoid contact with this virus, it is
mandatory: the use of disposable gloves whenever it comes in contact
with blood or any secretions of the body, disinfection of wounds with
antiseptic products, individual use of the toothbrush, razor, needles,
syringes, nail scissors, earrings, use of syringes and disposable needles,
which will not be reused, avoid sexual contact with multiple partners;
condom use during sexual intercourse, especially in case of accidental
partners, avoid bloody maneuvers (piercings, tattoos).
Warning: the contraceptive pill does not protect against sexually
transmitted diseases, so neither does HIV infection. CARRIER OF THE
VIRUS while COVID 19 presents some much simpler prevention
measures that each person must strictly adhere to such as:
 Frequent hand washing - with soap and water or alcohol-based hand
sanitizer - eliminates the virus if it is on your hands;
 Practice respiratory hygiene - when you cough or sneeze, cover your
mouth with your elbow flexed or a napkin that will be immediately
thrown in the basket, then wash your hands with soap and water -
doing so will prevent the spread of germs and viruses;
 If you put your hand to your mouth when you cough, you can later
contaminate the objects and surfaces you touch;
 Keep your distance;
 Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
 If you have a fever, difficulty breathing and coughing, call your
family doctor;
 If you have mild respiratory symptoms and have not traveled abroad
or come in contact with a person who has recently returned - practice
hand and breath hygiene, stay at home until you feel well, do not
follow any treatment without them be recommended by your doctor,
pets do not transmit the new coronavirus - there is no evidence that
pets, dogs and cats, can be infected with the virus. In any case, we
must always wash our hands with soap and water after coming into
contact with pets.
 Clean surfaces with chlorine or alcohol based disinfectants -
disinfectants containing chlorine, bleach, solvent, 75% ethanol,
paracetic acid and chloroform can kill the new coronavirus;
 Avoid crowded areas, public transport. Wearing a medical mask (if
we have respiratory symptoms) can help prevent the spread of
respiratory diseases. However, this measure alone does not guarantee
the cessation of infections and should be combined with other
preventive measures: hand and respiratory hygiene, keeping a
distance of at least 1 meter between people.
 Personal hygiene measures (washing hands with soap and water,
using handkerchiefs for sneezing or coughing, adhering to a healthy
lifestyle - eating vegetables and fruits, rest and exercise) are essential
for the prevention of respiratory diseases and, in particular, through
the flu.
Fifth, COVID 19 subjects society to social isolation for the
following reasons: the stigma associated with this diagnosis and the
fear of others not to become contaminated; preventive measures
needed to prevent the transmission of the disease, the patient's fear of
infecting an infection with others while HIV does not deprive anyone
of social freedom.
      In conclusion, I support my opinion about these viruses
considering that HIV is a much more serious virus being active in the
body for the rest of life, living with it, constantly fighting for survival
and not forgiving any category of people or ages while COVID 19 are
likely to infected people do not develop any symptoms and do not
feel bad. Most people (about 80%) recover without the need for
special treatment. About 1 in 6 people with COVID-19 becomes
seriously ill and has difficulty breathing. Older people, as well as
those with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood
pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop a
severe form. About 2% of people suffering from this disease have
died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek
medical attention. COVID 19 endangers the entire planet and has a
much faster spread, which makes it dangerous but not dangerous
enough like HIV.

Bibliography-
https://www.dsptimis.ro/promovare/1%20decembrie.html
https://www.cdt-babes.ro/articole/coronavirus-infectia-COVID-
19.php
https://www.medlife.ro/glosar-medical/afectiuni-medicale/sida-
cauze-simptome-tratament