HIV/AIDS and STD
• Week 17 - Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
What is HIV?
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a
virus that attacks the immune system, making
a person more vulnerable to other infections
and diseases. It is mainly spread through
unprotected sex, shared needles, or from
mother to child during childbirth or
breastfeeding.
What is AIDS?
• AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
is the final stage of HIV infection when the
immune system is severely damaged. Without
treatment, people with AIDS typically survive
about 3 years.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
• - Fever, night sweats, and fatigue
• - Swollen lymph nodes
• - Rapid weight loss
• - Skin rashes and sores
• - Recurring infections and weakened immune
system
Causes and Transmission
• - Unprotected sex
• - Sharing needles or syringes
• - Blood transfusions (rare due to modern
screening)
• - Mother-to-child transmission during
pregnancy or breastfeeding
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
• - Practice safe sex using condoms
• - Avoid sharing needles or syringes
• - Get tested regularly for HIV
• - Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) if at
high risk
• - Pregnant women with HIV should take
medications to prevent transmission to their
baby
What is an STD?
• STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are
infections passed through sexual contact. They
are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Common Types of STDs
• - Chlamydia
• - Gonorrhea
• - Syphilis
• - HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• - Genital Herpes
• - HIV/AIDS
• - Trichomoniasis
Symptoms of STDs
• - Painful urination
• - Sores, bumps, or rashes on genitals
• - Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
• - Itching or irritation around genitals
• - Pain during sex
Treatment of STDs
• - Bacterial STDs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea,
Syphilis) can be treated with antibiotics
• - Viral STDs (HIV, Herpes, HPV) have no cure
but can be managed with medication
• - Early detection and treatment are important
to prevent complications
STD Prevention
• - Use condoms during sex
• - Get vaccinated (HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines
available)
• - Get regular screenings and testing
• - Limit number of sexual partners and ensure
partners are tested
• - Avoid sharing personal items like razors or
needles
Case Study: Ryan White
• Ryan White was a teenager who contracted
AIDS from a blood transfusion. He became an
advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, educating
others and fighting discrimination.
Conclusion
• - HIV/AIDS and STDs are serious health issues
but can be prevented with proper education
and safe practices.
• - Early detection and treatment are key to
managing these diseases.
• - Always practice safe sex, get tested, and seek
medical help if needed.
