Why is it so difficult for the immune system to fight an HIV infection?

Answer 1

Part of the problem in the control of HIV is the fact that the virus mutates fast. When something changes, or mutates quickly, it is difficult to find a cure or a vaccine that will effectively control it.

Answer 2

HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. There are many activities that place people at risk, including unprotected sex and injection drug use most commonly.

Controlling the activities of every person of every nation is impossible. There will always be individuals who have multiple sexual or injection drug using partners. Because HIV is spread this way, there most likely will not be an effective means of controlling the virus until a vaccine is developed.

Answer 3

The immune system of people infected with HIV is compromised and weakened.

Answer 4

Because the virus uses lymphocytes-T (CD4) white cells to duplicate itself. trying to stop the virus doing it could, and will involve damaging the immune system leading to instant death.

Answer 5

HIV attacks white blood cells, so the immune system is weakened.