HIV/AIDS Treatment Drugs (Drugs: the Straight Facts)

By Brigid M. Kane

Book Overview

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks select cells critical to the overall functioning of the body's defense system-the immune system. HIV is a virus belonging to the retrovirus family of viruses whose genetic material is RNA, not DNA. For those who are HIV infected, the infection is kept under control by suppressing viral replication through treatment with antiretroviral drugs. Today, HIV treatment typically includes combination therapy, with the administration of two or more antiretroviral drugs. HIV/AIDS Treatment Drugs explains how HIV can replicate itself within immune system cells to overwhelm the immune system and describes the drugs used to treat HIV infection, how they work individually and in combination, how HIV drugs are developed, and the new treatments under investigation. Drugs are part of everyday life. They can be found on the street, in school, and at home, and although many drugs are beneficial when used properly, the potential for abuse and misuse is great. Understanding Drugs provides a fact-based look at the most common legal and illegal drugs available today, explains how they work, and identifies the risks and benefits of using them. Whether dealing with drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, or therapeutic drugs, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and prescription pain relievers, the best route to staying safe and healthy is to be informed. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1604135417
• ISBN13: 9781604135411
• Release Date: July 2011
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
• Length: 155 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.5" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Charts, diagrams, and a user-friendly glossary enhance this timely and relevant book

Part of the excellent Drugs: The Straight Facts series, HIV/AIDS Treatment Drugs teaches young adult readers the most up-to-date information about the drugs used to fight the AIDS epidemic today. Chapters give a basic history of how these drugs were developed during the battle against AIDS and discuss different types of drugs in depth, as well as how they work, and how doctors create specific combinations to improve their effectiveness. Social and political issues relating to AIDS as well as possible options for the future of AIDS treatment are also mentioned, including the hope of one day creating a vaccine. Charts, diagrams, and a user-friendly glossary enhance this timely and relevant book, enthusiastically recommended for public and school library collections.