About AIDS, Hepatitis, and other STD's

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1. United States:
   • Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV.
   • About 13% of them are unaware of their HIV status and need testing.
   • In 2021, an estimated 32,100 new HIV infections occurred in the U.S.
   • The highest rates of new diagnoses continue to occur in the Southern states.
   • Among young men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV infections fell significantly from 2017 to 2021.

            2.  Global Statistics:

• Globally, there were 39 million people living with HIV at the end of 2022.
• 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2022.
• 1.3 million people acquired HIV in the same year.

            3.  Progress:

• Annual HIV infections in the U.S. have been reduced by more than two-thirds since the mid-1980s.
• CDC estimates show that new HIV infections declined 12% from 2017 to 2021.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 70% of the estimated new HIV infections in 2021.

For more detailed analysis of HIV data  and its impact in the United States, visit our Statistics Center.

Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by various viruses. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters blood, and fights infections. Here are the key points about different types of viral hepatitis:

1. Hepatitis A (HAV):
   • Cause: Caused by the hepatitis A virus.
   • Transmission: Spreads through contaminated food, close personal contact, or ingestion of contaminated water.
   • Symptoms: May include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
   • Duration: Typically lasts from a few weeks to several months.
   • Prevention: An effective vaccine is available1.

          2.    Hepatitis B (HBV):

• Cause: Caused by the hepatitis B virus.
• Transmission: Primarily through blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can lead to chronic infection and liver damage.
• Prevention: Vaccination is available; many infected individuals are unaware of their status.

           3.   Hepatitis C (HCV):

• Cause: Caused by the hepatitis C virus.
• Transmission: Primarily through blood-to-blood contact (e.g., sharing needles).
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic for years; can lead to chronic infection, liver transplants, and liver cancer. Treatment: Curable in more than 95% of caes.

            4.  Other types include hepatitis D (associated with HBV) and hepatitis E (usually self-          limiting).  

Remember that prevention, early detection, and proper medical care are crucial for managing viral hepatitis. If you suspect you may be at risk  consult a healthcare professional. 

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
   • Cause: HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system.
   • Transmission: Primarily through sexual contact, blood, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
   • Symptoms: Early stages may be asymptomatic, but it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if left untreated.
   • Prevention: Safe sex practices, regular testing, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those infected.

          2.   Chlamydia:

• Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Sexual contact.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and urethritis in men.
• Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing, and antibiotics.

          3.  Gonorrhea:

• Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Transmission: Sexual contact.
• Symptoms: May include painful urination, discharge, and PID.
• Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing, and antibiotics.

          4.  Syphilis:

• Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
• Transmission: Sexual contact and from mother to child during pregnancy.
• Symptoms: Progresses through stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) with various symptoms.
• Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing, and antibiotics

           5.  Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):

• Cause: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes).
• Transmission: Sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact.
• Symptoms: Painful sores or blisters.
• Prevention: Safe sex, antiviral medications, and avoiding contact during outbreaks.

           6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

• Cause: Viral infection with various strains.
• Transmission: Sexual contact.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; some strains cause genital warts or increase cancer risk.
• Prevention: Vaccination, safe sex, and regular screenings.

Remember that prevention, education, and early detection are essential in managing STIs. Contact Us at Making A Daily Effort!