Can a HIV Vaccine be Developed?

  • Thread starter Pakbabydoll
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In summary, HIV vaccines are not currently available, but are being pursued with much effort. There are many challenges to making a vaccine, including the high rate of mutation of the virus.
  • #1
Pakbabydoll
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IF a vaccine is an inactive form of the virus then in theory can't they make a HIV vaccine from dead HIV virus? the virus dies 90 secs after touching open air... So it can't infect anyone else... Since it attacks the T cells, is not there a way to get the white blood cells out of the red blood cells..

Just curios
 
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  • #2
They certainly have been putting much effort and $$ into it for quite some time.
I think one problem with nailing down HIV may be the fact that it has a very high rate of mutation. Or perhaps that it attacks the very system that is supposed to recognoze it?
 
  • #3
BoomBoom said:
I think one problem with nailing down HIV may be the fact that it has a very high rate of mutation.

This is the primary challenge. It's similar to the reason the flu vaccine is only partially effective, or ineffective some years...too many mutations and variants of the virus to predict which one any particular person will be infected with in time to immunize them. But, while getting a flu shot and winding up contracting flu anyway isn't really terrible except for a very small percentage of the population, getting an HIV vaccination and winding up with HIV infection anyway is an unacceptably dangerous risk.
 
  • #4
yea but same applies to any other bacterial and viral disease or most of them anyway, but if they had a vaccine made then it could lower the chances even if by 45%
 
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  • #5
Pakbabydoll said:
yea but same applies to any other bacterial disease or most of them anyway, but if they had a vaccine made then it could lower the chances even if by 45%

(HIV is a virus, not a bacteria - though I assume you just had a slip up since you seem aware of this fact in your OP ^_^)
Some vaccines can in themselves be dangerous. Some people may have an allergic or some other type of fatal reaction to them - that's why you usually get a long info sheet about each vaccine before you take it, so you're aware of the risks. These risks also mean you really shouldn't take the vaccine unless you don't have any other choice, and safe sex choices can help a lot in preventing the spread of HIV, and are a lot safer and have a lot more additional benefits.
 
  • #6
However, todays people are not aware of it specially in schools they teach NO SEX rather then teaching safe sex habits. I don't think this is working any way because look at the rate it keeps going up and up specially in 3rd world countries
 
  • #7
Many people in third world countries hold mistaken beliefs about the nature of HIV and many other sexually transmitted diseases. Some people in Africa believe that you can cure yourself of AIDS by having sex with a virgin. The Masai in Kenya believed that Masai simply don't get AIDS. Education is essential; and unfortunately, many of the charitable groups working in third world countries are christian based, and again teach abstinence instead of safe sex. It's definitely a difficult issue. But like I said, safe sex is a safer (ha), more reliable, and MUCH cheaper way to deal with slowing the spread of HIV.
 

1. What is HIV and why is a vaccine needed?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and it is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. A vaccine for HIV is needed because it can prevent the spread of the virus, reduce the number of new infections, and ultimately lead to the eradication of HIV/AIDS.

2. Is it possible to develop a vaccine for HIV?

Yes, it is possible to develop a vaccine for HIV. Scientists have been working on developing a vaccine for several decades and have made significant progress. There are currently several potential vaccine candidates that are being tested in clinical trials.

3. What are the challenges in developing an HIV vaccine?

There are several challenges in developing an HIV vaccine. One of the main challenges is that HIV is a rapidly mutating virus, making it difficult to develop a vaccine that can provide long-term protection against all strains of the virus. Another challenge is that HIV targets the immune system, making it difficult to create a vaccine that can stimulate a strong immune response.

4. How close are we to developing a vaccine for HIV?

While there has been significant progress in HIV vaccine research, we are still not close to having a licensed HIV vaccine. Developing a vaccine is a complex and lengthy process, and it may take several more years of research and clinical trials before a safe and effective vaccine is available.

5. What are the current efforts being made to develop an HIV vaccine?

There are several ongoing efforts to develop an HIV vaccine. These include conducting clinical trials to test potential vaccine candidates, researching new strategies and technologies to improve vaccine efficacy, and collaborating with global organizations and governments to support vaccine development and distribution. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop a vaccine that can provide long-term protection against multiple strains of HIV.

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