disease spread / transmitted → through sexual intercourse → called sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- STIs → can result in irreversible physical damage/death
- caused by bacteria or viruses.
bacteria or viruses carried in bloodstream of infected person may be transmitted to uninfected person in following ways:
- through semen when it comes into contact with mucous membrane in vagina
- through fluid in the vagina when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the urethra
- when blood from infected person gets into bloodstream of an uninfected person
HIV
HIV →Stands for human immunodeficiency virus
- this virus → destroys the body’s immune system → the system that protects person against infection
- HIV infection might develop into AIDS in later stages
AIDS → stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
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most widely known STI caused by virus
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Normally when foreign particles → such as bacteria or viruses → enter bloodstream → white blood cells (lymphocytes) → able to identify them
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white blood cells → then stimulated → to produce antibodies to destroy the bacteria and viruses
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in this way ⇒ immune system protects bodies against many diseases.
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HIV destroys persons immune system → by destroying WBC.
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body unable to produce sufficient antibodies → to protect person against many other diseases.
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therefore infections which are mild → may prove to be fatal to person with AIDS
Signs and Symptoms of AIDS
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takes months/years before HIV infection develops into AIDS.
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Pneumonia
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Brain infection
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Chronic or Persistent fever
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Widespread tuberculosis (lung disease) affecting many organs at same time
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Severe diarrhoea lasting for months
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Kaposi’s sarcoma → cancer of blood vessels.
How is HIV Transmitted
- sexual intercourse with an infected person
- through sharing hypodermic needles with infected person
- e.g. when drug addicts share needles
- needles used for tattooing, acupuncture, or ear piercing may also transmit disease if not sterilised properly
- through blood transfusion with blood from infected person
- WHO recommends that all blood donations be screened for evidence of infection before use.
- in SG → usually not problem because all donated blood is carefully screened before use
- through pregnancy
- virus may pass from infected mother to fetus
Prevent + Control HIV Transmission
- keep to 1 sexual partner or abstain from having sexual intercourse
- males should wear condom if they are not sure whether partner(s) or themselves are infected with AIDS. this reduces risk of infection.
- do not share instruments that are likely to break skin and be contaminated with blood. e.g. razers / toothbrushes.
- go to reliable operators if you require acupuncture treatment, ear piercing or tattooing. make sure needles used are sterilised or insist on using disposable instruments. sterilisation removes living microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from instruments