The Difference Between HIV And AIDS

The health care centers and education forums around the world have been largely concerned and creating awareness among teenagers and adults about various Sexually Transmitted diseases (STDs) among which Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is considered a huge threat.

This is because of the fact that, HIV invariably leads to Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is otherwise called AIDS. Hence it is necessary for a sexually active person to understand certain key facts about STDs, HIV, & AIDS.

Difference Between HIV And AIDS

What is STD?

STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease is caused by contagious organisms that are typically transmitted between two people through sex or other means. The infection can be transmitted through sex organs, mouth, or anus. This can also be spread through contact with blood or any fluid from the body from the infected person.

Types of STDs

STDs can be categorized as bacterial, viral, and parasitic. There are more than 25 types of STDs and the most common ones are Syphilis, Chlamydiea, human papilomavirus, bacterial vaginosis, genital herpes, Hepatitis, genital warts, trichomaniasis, HIV, etc. Some of the STDs have no cure and can even be fatal.

Symptoms

Most of the STDs are asymptomatic. Some of them are very common such as abnormal sores or lumps, abnormal discharge from the genitals with pain during urination, itching, etc.

Since these are very vague symptoms, it is always recommended to get them tested without delay to rule out the possibilities or to treat on time if it is a sexually transmitted disease.

Risks of STDs Leading to HIV & AIDS

Normally, a person with STD has lesions in skin, which is highly prone to infection and hence risks of acquiring HIV through contact with syphilis (a sore in the genital) during sex are more.

STDs also cause the immune system of the person to have his/her immune system triggered and the increase in the cells is prone to attract HIV, which affects the immune cells. Hence, STDs like gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia are more prone to HIV.

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Connection Between HIV and AIDS

It is very essential to understand that HIV and AIDS are not the same. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is an illness that happens when the HIV virus has destroyed the immune system of the body. AIDS is a particular damage to the immune system, which is triggered by various STDs and one of them is HIV.

HIV is a virus and AIDS is a disease that is triggered by the HIV. HIV virus is normally found in semen, blood, and vaginal fluids. Hence, this is spread through needles, sex or oral sex with an infected person, or to a child through an infected mother.

Treat STD to Slow HIV/AIDS

A person, who is identified with an STD, must be treated at the earliest to reduce the risk of HIV and AIDS. This is because, sex education is a part of the treatment and hence safe sex is being practices, which in turn reduces the risk of HIV and AIDS.

Summary

Prevention is better than cure. Usage of condoms, sex, a proper knowledge of STDs and safe sex, avoiding the use of drugs and needles, and a regular health check up would certainly prevent one from STDs, HIV, & AIDS.