Health - We have to be very frank here in order to keep you from danger

Diseases that can spread through sexual contact with other people are called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). STDs can affect all people - straight, bi or gay.
A STI is just like any other disease and it should not be seen as shameful, in that it should not stop you seeking medical advice and treatment. Major hospitals have special departments called GUM clinics where you can obtain free advice and treatment anoymously without involving your local general doctor.
It for this reason it is our duty to make sure you understand the dangers for your preparation for a safer sex life not sex death. This knowledge should be put into practice.</fon
AIDS is by far the greatest health treat, it is the 5th leading cause of death amomg 15 to 24 year olds in the USA.
Teens as young as 13 are dying because they were not ready or prepared for sexual activities. The practice of safe sex is the only prevention for the future. Before you can safely start in sexual activities you will need to know: Why these infections are spread

• What are the symptoms to watch for.
• How do you prevent these infections.
• There are some infections you could die from if you do get infected.

<u> 1)HIV (Immunodeficiency Virus) </u>
<u> 2)HBV (Hepatitis B) </u>

These are the main infections that can kill if you donot practice safer sex.

<u> 1)Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) </u>
What is it:
(It is also called a Retro virus, affecting the bodies immune system that can lead to AIDS. (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) An estimated 3,851 American teens are living with HIV who are between the ages of 13 and 19)" Dated 2000.
Globally we are talking millions.

How HIV is spread:
Through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone infected; through sharing needles/or syringes during drug use with someone infected; or very rarely through transfusions of infected blood. Babies born to mothers with HIV might become infected before birth, during birth or through breastfeeding. Health care workers can be infected after a pick with needles containing HIV infected blood or less frequently, after infected blood comes into contact with a worker's open cuts or splashes into a mucous membrane, e.g., eyes or inside of nose. By touching an infected area, or having vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.

Treatment:
A range of treatment possibilities is available for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is no known cure at this time. Research all over the world is being conducted in an attempt to find more effective drugs to target HIV directly and to treat the illnesses that people with AIDS can experience. Strategies are being sought to boost the immune system and to help delay disease progression. There is no cure.

<u> Consequences: </u>
Serious health complications may develop as a result of having an impaired immune system that cannot fight diseases. If a person is unaware he or she is infected that person may unknowingly infect his or her sexual partner / partners.
It is possible for people to die because of AIDS-related complications.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS are very similar to other diseases. The current average incubation period from the time of infection with HIV to an AIDS diagnosis is eight to 11 years. People might not know they are infected unless an HIV antibody test is done.

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2)Hepatitis B (HBV) </u>

What is it?
A viral infection affecting the liver.

SIGNS:
Many people, however, have no symptoms but may still be contagious. Others may experience severe fatigue, achiness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, darkening of urine, or abdominal tenderness, usually within one to two months of exposure. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (called jaundice), and darkening of the urine can occur later.

HOW IS SPREAD:
Through vaginal, oral and anal sex, and through kissing. Also by sharing contaminated needles.

HOW MANY PEOPLE GET IT:
About 77,000 Americans a year; more than 1 million in the United States now have HBV.

TREATMENT:
Most cases clear up within one to two months without treatment, during which complete abstinence from alcohol is recommended until liver function returns to normal. Some people are contagious for the rest of their lives. A vaccine is now available to prevent this STD.

CONSEQUENCES:
Chronic, persistent inflammation of the liver, and later cirrhosis or cancer of the liver; plus, 90 percent of babies born to women with HBV will carry the virus unless they are vaccinated within an hour of birth.

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3)Genital Herpes (HSV) </u>
What is it?
A viral infection of the genital area (and sometimes around the mouth).

How many get it?
Between 1 million Americans each year; an estimated 45 million Americans already have genital herpes.

Signs:
There are two kinds of herpes.

• Herpes 1 causes cold sores and fever blisters on the mouth but can be spread to the genitals;
• Herpes 2 is usually on the genitals. Nearly two-thirds of people who are infected with herpes don't even realize it.

An outbreak can cause red bumps that turn into painful blisters or sores on the vagina, penis, buttocks, thighs or elsewhere. During the first attack, it can also lead to fever, headaches and a burning sensation while urinating.

Symptoms usually appear within two to 20 days of infection but can take longer in some cases. The first outbreak is usually more severe than later recurrences.

Treatment:
There is no cure
An antiviral drug can help the pain and itching and also reduce the frequency of recurrent outbreaks.

Consequences:
Recurrent sores (the virus lives in the nerve roots and keeps coming back) as well as increased risk of HIV infection. May cause complications during pregnacy, possibly causing severe illness. Warts can be removed through medication or surgery. Even with such treatments, the virus stays in the body and can cause future outbreaks. An estimated 5.5 million Americans per year; about 20 million people already have it.

4) Genital Warts or Human Papilloma-virus (HPV)

WHAT IS IT?
A viral infection with 60 different types, primarily affecting the genital area, both the outer and inner surfaces.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THIS AFFECT?
An estimated 5.5 million Americans per year; about 20 million people already have it.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Through vaginal, oral and anal sex, and through rubbing an infected area

SIGNS:
Soft, itchy warts in and around the vagina, penis and anus may appear two weeks to three months after exposure.

Consequences:
Increased risk of genital cancer for men and women. Some virus types cause the most common form of cervical cancer in women.

Safer Sex:
The condom when used correctly, acts as a barrier between you and your partner. Because we cannot see or wash away diseases, the condom attempts to stop contaminated semen or fluids crossing over.

It is very sad to say this. But, every person you have sexual contact must be treated as a carrier of HIV or HBV. Depending on the type of activities you will take part in will place you at lesser and greater risk.