HIV and AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus
that attacks the immune system, the body's
natural defense system.
There are two types of HIV:
HIV-1 and HIV-2. However, it seems that HIV-2
is less easily transmitted
Worldwide, the predominant virus is HIV-1,
and generally when people refer to HIV without
specifying the type of virus they will be
referring to HIV-1.The relatively uncommon
HIV-2 type is concentrated in West Africa and
is rarely found elsewhere.
Modes of Transmission
- Vaginal sexual intercourse
- Anal sexual intercourse
- Sharing needles
- Blood transfusion
- During pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Semen / Vaginal Fluid
- Rectal Fluid
- Breast milk
- Blood
How can I tell if I have it?
- get tested.
- The symptoms of HIV vary, depending on
the individual and what stage of the
disease you are
- in:
The Early stage
The Clinical Latency stage
The Late stage
Early Stage: Within 2-4 weeks after HIV
infection, many, but not all, people experience
flu-like symptoms, often described as the
“worst flu ever.” This is called acute retroviral
syndrome (ARS) and it’s the body’s natural
response to the uHIV infection.
The Clinical Latency stage
- After the early stage of HIV infection, the
disease moves into a stage called the
clinical latency stage. During this stage,
people with HIV typically have no
symptoms, or only mild ones.
- During the clinical latency stage, HIV
reproduces at very low levels, although it
is still active. If you take
antiretroviraltherapy (ART), you can stay
healthy and live in this stage for several
decades because treatment helps keep the
virus in check. If you are not on ART, this
clinical latency stage usually lasts about 10
years, but may be shorter.
- You are still able to transmit HIV to others
during this stage, even if you have no
symptoms.
The Late stage
If you have HIV and you are not on ART,
eventually the virus will weaken your body’s
immune system and you will progress to AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
Risk Reduction:
- Get tested and know your partner ’s HIV
status.
- Have less risky sex.
- Use condoms
- Have discipline towards sex.
- Talk to your health care provider about Chastity is about saying “yes” to God’s plan for
PEP and PrEP. our sexuality. Chaste person masters his sexual
feelings, and knows how to express them at the
PrEP: Short for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,”
proper times.
PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy in which
HIV-negative people take an oral pill once a
day before coming into contact with HIV to
reduce their risk of HIV infection.

- PrEP must be taken for at least 7 days to

reach optimal levels of protection against
HIV.

PEP: Short for “post-exposure prophylaxis,”

PEP is an HIV prevention strategy in which HIV-
negative people take anti- HIV medications
after coming into contact with HIV to reduce
their risk of HIV infection. PEP must be started
within 72 hours after HIV exposure.

Risk Reduction:

- Do not share syringe.

- Abstinence

Can AIDS be cured?

- There is currently no cure for HIV,

although antiretroviral drugs can control it.

Disease Spread

Endemic – a disease that exists permanently in

a particular region or population. Ex. Malaria is
a constant worry in parts of Africa.

Epidemic – an outbreakof disease that attacks

many people at about the same time and may
spread through one or

communities.

Pandemic – when an epidemic spreads

throughout the world.

What is CHASTITY?

- Celibacy refers to the choice to live in an

unmarried state, avoiding all sexual activity.
- Chastity is not about saying “no” to sex.