Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The 5 most common STIs in detail
HIV is probably the most feared STI by people across the globe – and there are ample reasons to be worried about it. Still today the virus is widely spread and it’s not curable. But the good news is that it is possible to live a normal life as an HIV-positive person today. Find out more about the dangers and prevention methods of HIV in our handy overview.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system and response.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is most often spread through vaginal or anal sex, as well as through blood exchange during intravenous drug use, for example. Another possibility of HIV spread is Mother-to-baby infection during pregnancy. It’s not commonly spread in everyday life.
What’s the worst that can happen?
If HIV isn’t treated, the body can’t defend itself against common illnesses, bacteria, fungus infections, or viruses.
If you do not treat HIV, it usually turns into AIDS in about 8 to 10 years. However, not everyone who has been infected with HIV will get AIDS. The sooner a person starts the antiretroviral therapy, the less likely it is that HIV will progress into AIDS.
HIV Symptoms
Right after infection, some flu-like symptoms show up, but from then on the illness can be symptomless (and undetected) for a long time. Early signs and symptoms can include:
Fever
Headaches
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin
Skin rash
If you have these symptoms and might have been exposed to HIV, get tested right away.
Is there any good news?
Even today, HIV cannot be fully healed, but it’s very manageable with modern medicine. So nowadays it’s possible to live a long and healthy life as an HIV-positive person.
The takeaway
HIV and AIDS were an epidemic in the 1980s which killed hundreds of thousands of people. Today, we can protect ourselves from HIV by using condoms and practicing safer sex, as well as having a regular STI testing routine. Doctors advise to get tested every 3 – 6 months if you are sexually active.
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