Answer:
B. HIV is spread during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood; it cannot be cured, but early treatment can minimize the long-term consequences.
Explanation:
HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus weakens the immune system of infected persons by destroying immune cells like the CD4 helper cells that usually fight-off infections; this can also make infected persons more <em>susceptible to other illnesses</em>. It is spread through contact with the blood and certain bodily fluids (seminal, rectal and vaginal fluids) of an infeted person.
While no cure exists, drugs in the form of antiretrovirals can be administered in a combination called antiretroviral therapy. Treatments delays further harm immune function, but when taken as advised, these reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others, and slows the advancement of the disease into an acquired immunodeficiency disease, AIDS.
