HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV, Human Imunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that invades the immune system and destroys it over time. This reduces a person's ability to fight off infections and cancer. People who have HIV eventually develop the disease AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is often fatal.

Symptoms:

As with all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection), symptoms may not be present, but you or your partner may still be infected and infecting others. At first, short-lived, flu-like symptoms may appear. There may be no other symptoms for years. Eventually, with the development of AIDS, numerous infections, such as colds, flues, or pneumonia begin to set in that a healthy individual would be able to fight off easily. Most people die from one of these infections rather than the disease itself.

How it is Spread:

HIV is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids during vaginal or oral sex. The risk of contracting the disease greatly increases during anal sex. HIV can also be passed through shared or unsterilized needles. The presence of other STIs greatly increases a persons risk of becoming infected.

Side Effects:

HIV can pass the disease onto their children.

Treatment:

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. The are medications that may help prolong life, but they must be taken every day, are expensive, difficult to take, and have side effects.

How to Avoid:

Abstinence until a single, life-long, committed, and monogamous relationship is the only sure way to avoid being infected. If you are married, stay faithful. If you are sexually active, stop and get tested.

Sources:
Center of Disease Control and Prevention
The Medical Institute