3. HIV
This deadly virus attacks the immune system. HIV infects and destroys healthy T-cells known as CD4 cells, which are vital for immune function. As HIV spreads in the body and weakens the immune system, infected individuals risk exposure to multiple viral and bacterial infections. Many people who are living with HIV contract a severe viral disease like AIDS or tuberculosis. With their immune system weakened, their body is too weak to fight off the infection, resulting in death.
HIV transmits through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. The blood, semen, breast milk, or vaginal fluids carry the virus, but casual contact with an infected individual with not result in infection. HIV can be managed effectively using antiretroviral medications along with changes to nutrition and lifestyle.
Estimates show that over 1 million Americans currently live with HIV, with 1 in 5 remaining undiagnosed. HIV attacks the immune system. Therefore, medical professionals believe it may be responsible for the body contracting an inflammatory disease, leading to the development of Bell’s Palsy.