Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infection

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases or

Infection’s

Name: Eke Henrietta

Class: Year 9Eagle

Subject: Social Studies


CONTENT;

1. State the meaning of STI/STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease or


Infection)
2. Causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
3. How to acquire STI
4. Types of STI and their symptoms
5. If you have how to manage it
6. How to avoid passing down to others

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES OR INFECTIONS


What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are
infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are
usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through
other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some
STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Some STDs/STIs can
also be spread from an infected mother to her child during the birthing
process.
STDs/STIs are either viral or bacterial. A viral infection is caused by a
virus and cannot be cured. However, although a virus will remain in the body
for life, symptoms of the virus might not be present at all times. A bacterial
infection is caused by a bacterial organism, and the active infection can be
cured. The infection must be treated early, however, to ensure that the
damage it caused to the body can be repaired. Whether an infection is viral or
bacterial, the infection can have long-term effects on the body, such as
infertility or sterility, and can leave the body vulnerable to more serious
diseases, such as HIV. Ultimately, untreated STDs/STIs can affect numerous
organ systems in the body.
Viral infections include human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes (HSV or
herpes simplex virus), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Hepatitis B. STDs/STIs are 100 percent
preventable through abstinence from oral, vaginal and anal sex. For individuals
who choose to engage in sexual activity including oral sex, vaginal sex and
anal sex, the proper and consistent use of a latex or polyurethane condom
during every sexual encounter will greatly help reduce the risk of contracting
an STD/STI or HIV.
Alcohol and drug use frequently play a role in STD/STI transmission
because both may cause impaired judgment, leaving a person more vulnerable
to engaging in risky behaviours such as unprotected or unwanted sex. Routine
testing and screening for STDs/STIs, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C through a
health care provider is critical for treatment and prevention of complications.
Treatment may require medicine specific to the infection, as prescribed by a
health care provider.

What causes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?


STDs can be caused by;
1. Bacteria: Bacterial infections include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and
syphilis. Bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection (caused by tiny, living cells). The
bacteria are called chlamydia trachomatis. It is a common sexually
transmitted infection (STI) that is easily treated. But most people who have
chlamydia do not notice any symptoms so without routine testing it can
often go undetected.

How do you get chlamydia?

 unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex

 your genitals touching an infected person’s genitals – this means


you can get and pass on chlamydia even if you don’t have
penetrative sex or ejaculation

 sharing unwashed or uncovered sex toys with someone who has the
infection

 infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye.

Chlamydia can also be passed on by a pregnant woman to her baby

Note: Chlamydia can’t be passed on through casual contact like kissing,


hugging, sharing baths, towels or using the same toilet as someone with
the infection.
How do you prevent chlamydia?

The most effective way to protect against chlamydia is to use a


new external (male) condom or internal (female) condom every time
you have vaginal or anal sex. If you are having oral sex cover the penis
with an external condom or use a dental dam to cover the vulva (female
genitals).

Chlamydia can be passed on by sharing sex toys. Always cover sex toys
with a new condom and wash them each time they’re used.

Taking the contraceptive pill or any other type of contraception – apart


from condoms – doesn’t prevent chlamydia. Most people who have
chlamydia do not notice any symptoms. If you do get symptoms these
usually appear 1-3 weeks after having unprotected sex with someone
who has the infection. They can also develop months later.

People who get symptoms may experience:

 pain or burning when urinating (peeing)

 pain or bleeding during/after sex

 unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or bottom

 women may get pain in the lower stomach and/or bleeding between
periods

 men may get pain and swelling in the testicles.

You can also get chlamydia in your anus (bottom), eyes or throat. If
infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with your eyes, you can
develop conjunctivitis. Both women and men can experience discomfort and
discharge in the anus. Infection in the eyes can cause eye redness, pain and
discharge. Chlamydia in the throat doesn’t normally have any symptoms.

How to tread Chlamydia;

Chlamydia can be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. You


may be able to take all the antibiotics in one day, or over a week. It’s
important to regularly test for chlamydia, even if you don’t have any
symptoms. Being treated as soon as possible will reduce your risk of
developing any serious or long-term complications. It’s important not to have
sex until you and your current sexual partner(s) have finished treatment. If
you’ve had the one-day course of treatment, you should avoid having sex for
seven days afterwards. Ask your healthcare professional when it’s safe to
have sex again. Remember that if you’ve been treated for chlamydia you can
get infected again, so it’s important to go for regular tests.
Gonorrhoea

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by a


bacterium (tiny, living cells) called Neisseria gonorrhoea or
gonococcus. It used to be known as "the clap". The bacteria are
mainly found in infected semen and vaginal fluids, as well as warm
moist parts of the body such as the vagina, penis, rectum and
throat.

How do you get gonorrhoea?

 unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex

 sharing unwashed or uncovered sex toys with someone who


has the infection.
Bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube
that passes urine out of the body (urethra), the rectum (the tube
connected to the anus) and, less commonly, the throat or eyes.

Gonorrhoea can also be passed on by a pregnant woman to her


baby. Gonorrhoea can’t be passed on through casual contact like
kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels or using the same toilet as
someone with the infection. The bacteria do not survive outside the
human body for long.

How do you prevent gonorrhoea?

The best was to protect against gonorrhoea is by using a


new external (male) condom or internal (female)
condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex. If you are having
oral sex use an external condom to cover the penis or a dental dam
to cover the vulva (female genitals).

Gonorrhoea can be passed on by sharing sex toys. Always cover sex


toys with a new condom and wash them each time they’re used.

Taking the contraceptive pill or any other type of contraception –


apart from condoms – doesn’t prevent gonorrhoea.

It’s important to regularly test for gonorrhoea, even if you don’t


have any symptoms.

Having regular STI tests is one of the best ways to look after your
sexual health. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s even
more important to use condoms and get tested regularly even if you
don’t have any symptoms.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Many people who have gonorrhoea do not notice any symptoms. If


you do get symptoms these usually appear within 10 days of
infection, but they can also develop months later.

Gonorrhoea symptoms in women include:

 unusual green or yellow discharge from the vagina which may


be thin or watery

 pain or burning when urinating (peeing)

 pain in the lower abdomen – this is less common


 bleeding between periods and/or heavier period and bleeding
after sex – this is less common.

Gonorrhoea symptoms in men include:

 unusual discharge from the penis that may be white, yellow or


green in colour

 pain or burning when urinating (peeing)

 Inflammation or swelling of the foreskin

 pain in the testicles – this is rare.

You can also get gonorrhoea in your anus (bottom), eyes or throat. If
infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with the eyes, you
can develop conjunctivitis. Both women and men can experience
irritation, pain, swelling or discharge in the anus or the eyes.
Gonorrhoea in the throat doesn’t normally have any symptoms.

How do I test for gonorrhoea?

If you think you're at risk of having gonorrhoea or have any symptoms


you should get tested as soon as possible. You can have a test even if
you do not have symptoms.

For women, a healthcare professional will usually take a swab from


either the lower part of the womb (cervix) or the vagina. Women are not
usually asked to provide a urine (pee) sample to check for gonorrhoea
because this is a less accurate test for women.

Men usually need to provide a urine (pee) sample or a swab taken from
the end of the penis (urethra).

If you have had anal or oral sex, you may have a swab taken from the
anus (bottom) or throat.

Being treated as soon as possible will reduce your risk of developing


any serious or long-term complications.
How is gonorrhoea treated?

Gonorrhoea is usually treated with antibiotics. In most cases it is


treated with a single antibiotic injection. Sometimes it’s possible to be
treated with an antibiotic tablet instead.

If you have any symptoms these will usually improve in a couple of days,
although pain in your pelvis or testicles can take up to 2 weeks to
disappear. Bleeding between periods or heavy periods should improve
by your next period.

It’s important to not have sex again until you and your current sexual
partner/s have finished treatment and a healthcare professional says
you can.

Remember that if you’ve been treated for gonorrhoea you can get
infected again, so it’s important to go for regular tests.
Syphilis

What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads easily
through anal, vaginal and oral sex without a condom. It can also be
passed on through sharing contaminated needles and injecting equipment
and from mother-to-child during pregnancy. Syphilis infection is divided
into four distinct stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, and
there are different signs and symptoms with each stage of illness.

It’s not as common as some sexually transmitted infections but if


left untreated it can lead to serious health problems. You can catch
syphilis more than once, even if you have been treated for it before.

How do you get syphilis?

Syphilis is mainly spread through contact with an infected sore or


rash.

The infection can be passed on through:

 vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam


 genital contact

 sharing sex toys with someone who has syphilis

 sharing contaminated needles and injecting equipment

 blood transfusions (this is very rare as most places test blood for
infections).

If you’re worried about a blood transfusion, speak to your healthcare


provider.

Pregnant women can pass the infection on to their unborn baby. This is
called congenital syphilis. It’s important that women test for syphilis
during pregnancy.

How do I prevent syphilis?

Syphilis cannot always be prevented, but if you're sexually active you can
reduce your risk by practising safer sex.

Using new condoms and dental dams correctly every time you have sex is
the best way to prevent syphilis. Remember that the condom or dental
dam must cover any sores or rashes or you won’t be protected.

You should avoid sharing sex toys and if you do share them, wash them
and cover them with a new condom before each use.

it’s also important that you’re able to talk about your sexual health with
your partner/s. This way you can let each other know about any
symptoms or infections, and discuss how you will have safer sex
together.

Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the contraceptive pill or


any other type of contraception – apart from condoms – doesn’t
protect you from syphilis and other STIs.

If you inject drugs, do not share needles or injecting equipment with


other people.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Symptoms of syphilis are often mild and it is easy to pass on the infection
without knowing you have it. Many people with syphilis won't notice any
symptoms for years.

Without treatment a syphilis infection develops through different stages.


It can become more serious, spreading to other parts of the body.

Early symptoms
The first symptoms of syphilis usually develop around 2 or 3 weeks after
infection. The first thing a person may notice is a painless sore (called a
chancre) - usually around their anus or genitals. Not everyone
experiences this symptom. Chancres normally heal by themselves within
2 to 8 weeks, but without treatment the infection may progress to a
second stage.

Later symptoms

A few weeks after the early symptoms have passed, you might start to
feel ill. Later symptoms include a fever, headache or swollen glands. You
may also notice weight loss or small skin growths (similar to genital
warts) around your anus or genitals. Some people get blotchy red rashes
on their body, often on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.

Latent stage

After this, a person may live with syphilis for years without any signs of
infection. This is known as ‘latent syphilis’ and can last for decades. If
syphilis is left undiagnosed and untreated, the infection will go on to
cause serious health problems.

How is syphilis treated?

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. However, it’s important that you
get tested and treated early on, as some health problems caused by late-
stage syphilis can’t be resolved.

The specific antibiotics used to treat syphilis may vary depending on


where you are.

Don’t have sex or close body contact with other people until you
and your current sexual partner(s) have finished your treatment.
You will need to be checked by a healthcare professional to make
sure the infection has cleared.
TRICHOMONIASIS

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, or trich (pronounced ‘trick’), is a common STI. It is


caused by a tiny parasite called trichomonas vaginitis.

In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. It


can also lead to genital itching and painful urination. Most men who have
trichomoniasis have no symptoms.

It is easy to treat but most people don’t have any symptoms. If you’ve had
unprotected sex and are worried about trichomoniasis or other STI's it’s
important to get tested as soon as possible.
How do you get trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is easily passed on through unprotected vaginal sex with


someone who has the infection. The person can be symptomless.

Trichomoniasis is not usually passed on through oral or anal sex. It can’t


be passed on through kissing or hugging.

If you get the infection when pregnant you can be more likely to give
birth prematurely. Your baby is also more likely to have a low birth
weight.
How do I prevent trichomoniasis?

Like all STIs, the best way to prevent trichomoniasis is to practice safe
sex and use a new condom every time. However, some people have the
infection in the area around the penis or vagina that is not covered by a
condom. This means sometimes the infection can still spread even if you
use a condom.

Regularly testing for trichomoniasis and other STIs will help you to stay
safe. This is especially important if you are having sex with multiple
partners. It’s really helpful to talk to your partner/s about your status and
decide how to have safer sex together.

Trichomoniasis can also be passed on through sharing sex toys. This is


less common. Always cover sex toys with a new condom and wash them
after use.

Apart from condoms, other forms of contraception won’t prevent


trichomoniasis. Neither will taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Many people with trichomoniasis don’t have any symptoms. They can still
pass the infection on to others. If you do get symptoms, they normally
appear within a month of infection.

Trichomoniasis symptoms in women include:

 yellow-green vaginal discharge which may have an unpleasant fishy


smell

 soreness, swelling and itching in and around the vagina, and


sometimes the inner thighs

 pain when urinating (peeing) or having sex

 pain in the lower stomach.

Trichomoniasis symptoms in men include:

 thin, white discharge from the tip of the penis

 pain or a burning sensation when urinating (peeing)

 needing to urinate (pee) more often than usual

 soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis and
foreskin.
How is trichomoniasis treated?

Trichomoniasis is unlikely to go away without treatment. It is easily


treated with antibiotics. This can either be taken in one day as a single
dose or twice a day over the course of 5 to 7 days.

Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.

Don’t have sex until you and your current sexual partner/s have
finished your treatment. You will need to be checked by a
healthcare professional to make sure the infection has cleared. If
you have taken the one-day treatment, you will need to avoid
having sex for seven days afterwards. It's important to complete
the whole course of antibiotics.

2. Virus/ Viral diseases: Viral infections include human


papillomavirus (HPV), herpes (HSV or herpes simplex virus), human
immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) and Hepatitis B.
What is the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that
affect your skin and the moist membranes of your body. These include
the cervix (entrance to the womb), anus, mouth and throat. There are a
number of different strains of HPV. Most have no symptoms, go away by
themselves and don’t cause any health problems. Some types can cause
genital warts or lead to cervical, anal and other cancers. It is passed on
through any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area; vaginal, anal or oral
sex; and sharing sex toys. Most strains do not cause any problems but
some can cause genital warts, while other types can lead to cancer.

How do you get HPV?

HPV infections are passed on through skin-to-skin contact. This is often


through a cut, abrasion or small tear in your skin.

Genital HPV infections are very common and easy to catch. You can get
HPV from:

 vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam, with


someone who has an HPV infection (even if they don’t have
symptoms)
 sharing sex toys that aren't washed or covered with a new condom
each time they are used
 close genital contact – this means HPV can be passed on even if
there’s no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation.

If you have HPV while pregnant you can pass the infection on to your
baby at birth, but this is rare.
How do you prevent HPV?

There are a number of things that can help decrease the risk of getting
HPV.

Vaccines are available to prevent certain types of HPV that cause most
cases of genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers.
These are often offered to adolescent girls, men who have sex with men
and people with HIV. It’s best to have the vaccine before you start having
sex, although it’s sometimes possible to get the vaccine later in life. Ask a
healthcare worker to find out if you can get the HPV vaccine where you
are.

Using a new condom or dental dam every time you have vaginal, anal or
oral sex will help. But, HPV can affect areas not covered by a condom, so
you’re not fully protected.

Use a new dental dam or latex gloves for exploring your partner’s anus
with your fingers, mouth or tongue. Using latex gloves for fisting will also
help to lessen the risk.

Always cover sex toys with a new condom for each partner and wash
them after use.

Having regular STI tests is one of the best ways to look after your sexual
health. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s even more
important to use condoms and get tested regularly even if you don’t have
any symptoms.

Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the contraceptive pill or


any other type of contraception – apart from condoms – won’t
protect you from HPV and other STIs.
What are the symptoms of HPV?

HPV infections often have no symptoms, so you may not know if you have
it. Where symptoms do appear these will vary depending on the strain of
HPV.

One of the most common strains of HPV is genital warts. Many people
with this strain of HPV will not develop any symptoms or know that they
have it.

Symptoms of genital warts include:


 one or more small, flesh-coloured or grey painless growths or
lumps around your vagina, penis, anus or upper thighs

 itching or bleeding from your genitals or anus


 a change to your normal flow of pee (for example, sideways), that
doesn't go away.

The warts may be difficult to notice if they are internal (inside the vagina
or anus).

Symptoms of genital warts can appear weeks, months or years after you
were in contact with the virus that causes them. If you have symptoms of
genital warts, it’s important to visit a health clinic to have them checked.

How is HPV treated?

There's no treatment for the HPV virus and most infections do not cause
any problems. Treatment is needed if HPV causes problems like genital
warts or changes to cells in the cervix.

Genital warts (low-risk HPV): the sooner genital warts are treated, the
easier they are to get rid of. The warts can be removed using creams,
freezing or heating. This depends on the type of warts and where they
are located. You should always check with a healthcare worker before
using treatments for genital warts.

Although these treatments can remove the warts themselves, there's no


cure for the virus that causes the warts. Some people’s bodies, however,
are able to clear the virus over time.

Cancer-causing HPV (high-risk HPV): if a cervical screening test


shows you have abnormal cells on the cervix, it may be necessary to
remove them so that they don’t develop into cancer.

There are two advantages of being screened early. Firstly, to


identify and remove pre-cancerous lesions caused by HPV. These
are removed to prevent invasive cancers from developing. Early
screening also means that cervical cancers can be found at an early
stage, when they can usually be treated successfully with surgery.

HERPES
What is
herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes


blisters and ulcers. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which
is passed on through skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes can affect various areas of the body but is most commonly found
on the genitals, anus or mouth. The blisters heal with time, but the virus
that causes them cannot be cured. Herpes outbreaks will often reoccur.
How do you get herpes?

The virus can be passed on by:

 having any skin-to-skin contact with the infected area


 vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam
 transferring the infection on fingers from someone else to your
genitals

 sharing sex toys that aren't washed or covered with a new condom
each time they are used.

The virus is most infectious when you have blisters, but it can be passed
on when someone has no symptoms. This is normally immediately before
or after an outbreak.

If you have genital herpes while pregnant you can pass the virus on to
your unborn baby. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider as
soon as possible.

How do you prevent herpes?


Using a new external (male) or internal (female) condom or dental
dam every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex will reduce the risk of
herpes being passed on. If either you or your partner has a herpes
outbreak (blisters) it’s best to wait until the symptoms have cleared up
before having sex.

Herpes can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys. To reduce this risk,
avoid sharing your sex toys. Alternatively, make sure that they are
washed and covered with a new condom between each use.

Use a new dental dam or latex gloves for exploring your partner’s anus
with your fingers, mouth or tongue. Use latex gloves for fisting.

Wash your hands after touching blisters. This is especially important


before handling contact lenses because herpes can cause an eye
infection.

Talking about your sexual health and infections with your


partner(s) can help you make decisions about safer sex together.

Having regular STI tests is one of the best ways to look after your sexual
health. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s even more
important to use condoms and get tested regularly. This is important
even if you don’t have any symptoms.

Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the contraceptive pill or


any other type of contraception – apart from condoms – won’t
protect you from herpes and other STIs.

Having herpes could make it easier for someone to get or pass on


HIV. For more details on herpes and HIV read our ‘in detail’ tab.
What are the symptoms of herpes?

Many people with genital herpes won’t get any symptoms, or may get
symptoms for the first time months or even years after they were
infected.

The most common symptoms of herpes are small blisters that burst to
leave red, open sores. You can get herpes blisters on your penis, vagina,
anus, throat, on the top of your thighs and buttocks. You can also get
them around your mouth (where they're called cold sores).

For most people, the first blisters go away within a month. Although the
outbreaks clear-up by themselves, the virus stays in the body. This means
that people usually get blisters again – which is called having a
‘recurrent outbreak’. Outbreaks usually become shorter and less severe
over time.

Other symptoms can include:


 pain when urinating (peeing)
 tingling or burning around the genitals
 feeling unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms
 unusual vaginal discharge in women.

How do I test for herpes?

If you think you have symptoms of genital herpes or have been at risk
of infection, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

There are different tests available. If you have symptoms, the most
common test is to take a swab from a blister. The fluid can be tested for
the herpes simplex virus. A herpes blood test exists but is not routinely
available.

If you have genital herpes you should be tested for other STIs. It’s
important that you tell your recent sexual partner/s so they can also get
tested and treated. Many people who have herpes do not notice anything
wrong, and by telling them you can help to stop the virus being passed
on.

How is herpes treated?


There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The blisters usually heal
and go by themselves, so you may not always need treatment. If
treatment is needed, there are antiviral medicines which can help. These
can shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop symptoms from
getting worse.

The antiviral treatment is most effective when you take it within the first
five days of symptoms appearing. Avoid touching the blisters as this can
spread the infection. If treatment requires you to apply cream to a sore,
gently pat the cream on, being careful not to rub around the surrounding
area.

You can ease your symptoms by:

 keeping the affected area clean using plain or salt water to prevent
blisters or ulcers from becoming infected
 applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to any blisters or ulcers
to reduce pain when passing urine
 asking a healthcare provider to recommend painkilling creams
 avoiding tight clothing because it may irritate the blisters and
ulcers.

Don’t have sex until you or your partner have finished your treatment,
and the blisters or ulcers have gone. Recurrent outbreaks are usually
milder than the first episode of genital herpes and over time they tend to
occur less often.
HEPATITIS B
What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B, sometimes called Hep B or HBV, is part of a group of


hepatitis viruses that attack the liver. For some people the infection
becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. People with
chronic hepatitis B have a higher chance of liver damage.

Most adults with hepatitis B make a full recovery, even if their symptoms
are severe. Babies and children are more likely to develop a long-lasting
(chronic) hepatitis B infection.
How do you get hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B spreads when the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an


infected person gets into someone else’s body. The virus is highly
infectious and can last outside the body for up to seven days.

Hepatitis B is passed on by:

 having unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex with someone who
has hepatitis B*
 changing partners frequently and not using a condoms every time
you have sex
 injecting drugs using contaminated equipment

 using unsterilized tattoo, body-piercing or medical/dental


equipment.
 sharing towels, razor blades or toothbrushes with infected blood on
them (this is rare).

Hepatitis B can also be passed on from a mother to her new-born baby,


particularly in countries where the infection is common.

* Some sexual activities are riskier than others, such as anal sex or any
type of sex where blood may be present.

You can stop the spread of the virus by using a new external
(male) or internal (female) condom or dental dam every time you
have vaginal, anal or oral sex. You should cover sex toys with a new
condom and wash with soap and water after use. It’s also a good idea to
use latex gloves and wash your hands after touching someone’s anus
(bottom) or handling used condoms and sex toys.

Having regular STI tests is one of the best ways to look after your sexual
health. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s even more
important to use condoms and get tested regularly, even if you don’t
have any symptoms.
You should never share needles and syringes or other items that may be
contaminated with blood, such as razors. Only have tattoos, body
piercings or acupuncture in a professional setting, and make sure new,
sterile needles are used.

Getting vaccinated is a good idea if you think you may be at risk.


What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Many people with hepatitis B don’t have any symptoms. If you do get
symptoms you may not notice them until two or three months after
infection. You can pass the virus on to others even if you don’t have
symptoms.

There are two types of infection – acute and chronic.

Acute (or short-term) symptoms can include:

 flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, fever and aches and pains


 feeling and/or being sick
 loss of weight/appetite
 diarrhoea
 tummy (abdominal) pain
 yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
 dark urine (pee)
 pale, grey coloured faeces (poo).

People who can’t fight off acute infection after six months can go on to
develop chronic hepatitis B. These include babies, young children and
people with a weakened immune system because of HIV. People with
chronic hepatitis B are at higher risk of liver failure, liver disease and
cancer of the liver.
How do I test for hepatitis B?

A simple blood test carried out by a healthcare professional will show


whether you have the virus. You may also be given extra tests to see if
your liver is damaged. You can have a test even if you do not have
symptoms.

If you’ve got hepatitis B you should be tested for other STIs. It’s
important that you tell your recent sexual partner/s so they can also get
tested and treated.
How is hepatitis B treated?

Treatment for hepatitis B depends on how long you have had the virus.

There is no specific treatment for acute (short-term) hepatitis B, and


most people recover within one to two months. Usually, you can manage
symptoms at home with plenty of rest and painkillers if necessary. Most
people make a full recovery from acute hepatitis B.
If you develop chronic (long-term) hepatitis B, you will be given
treatment to help some of the symptoms. This will also reduce the risk of
liver damage and liver cancer. Treatment keeps the virus under control
but cannot cure chronic hepatitis B. Some people will need lifelong
treatment.

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency


Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus)

What does HIV stand for? What is it?


Human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that attacks cells
in our immune system (our body’s natural defence against illness).
Symptoms of Acute HIV/ AIDS
1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Headaches
4. Night Sweats
5. Sore throat
6. Fatigue
7. Rash
8. Swollen lymph nodes
9. Mouth ulcers
10. Muscle aches

 HIV can be passed on through:


HIV can be transmitted by:

 unprotected sex (without a condom)

 sharing needles or syringes that have been used to inject drugs

 contaminated blood transfusions and organ transplants

 pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

Certain individuals may have an increased risk of HIV,


including:

 Men who have sex with men


 People who use injection drugs and share needles or "works"
 Sexual partners of people with HIV
 People with a history of a sexually transmitted disease
 Victims of sexual assault
 Men and women who have unprotected sex with multiple partners
 Men and women who exchange sex for money or drugs or have sex
partners who do
 Anyone who is accidentally stuck with a needle or sharp in a health
care facility
 People who received a blood transfusion or other blood products
before 1984
How can you stop HIV being passed on?

If you have sex:

 use male (external) condoms or female (internal)


condoms

 take PrEP before you might be exposed to HIV

 take PEP after you might have been exposed to HIV

 get medically circumcised if you have a penis to reduce your


risk.

If you inject drugs:

 always use a clean needle and syringe

 never share injecting equipment.

If you’re pregnant and have HIV:

 take treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This will stop


HIV passing to your baby.

How to protect yourself from HIV


How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know if you have HIV is to take an HIV test. This
will confirm your HIV status (whether you are HIV-positive or HIV-
negative).
HIV treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to get rid or cure HIV. But the
treatment is very effective. It can reduce the level of HIV in your
body to such low levels that blood tests cannot detect it. This is also
called being 'undetectable’. Having an undetectable viral load
means you cannot pass on HIV to other people.
What does AIDS stand for? What is it?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is also called advanced
HIV infection or late-stage HIV. AIDS is a set of symptoms and
illnesses that develop when an advanced HIV infection has
destroyed the immune system. If left untreated it will lead to
death.
Symptoms of AIDS
 Rapid weight loss
 Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
 Extreme and unexplained tiredness
 Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin,
or neck
 Diarrheal that lasts for more than a week
 Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
 Pneumonia
 Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or
inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
 Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders

How can you get AIDS?


AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. It is the last stage of HIV, when
the infection is very advanced.
How can you stop getting AIDS?
By taking treatment for HIV correctly. Remember to take it at the
same time every day and don’t miss any doses.
How do I know if I have AIDS?
AIDS is when your immune system is too weak to fight off
infection. You will develop certain symptoms and illnesses (known
as ‘opportunistic infections’). It is also diagnosed when the level of
immune system cells in your body drops too low (below 200 CD4
cells/mm).
What if I get AIDS?
If you are diagnosed with AIDS, it is important that you take
antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible. Many people’s immune
systems recover very well, and they become healthy again. If you
have an opportunistic infection, you can take treatment for that
too.

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