What are STIs?

Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections you get by having sex with a person who is infected. Some of these can be cured while others can't be cured, like AIDS. The most common STIs in Jamaica are Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Herpes and Genital Warts. The most dangerous to date is HIV the AIDS virus.

How do you get them?

You get STIs by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. STIs can be spread from woman to man and man to woman, as well as from man to man and woman to woman. You can get an STI more than once. You can have more than one STI at a time. Your chance of getting an STI increases with each sex partner.

How do you know you have an STI?

Some people with STIs have no signs or symptoms at all. But you should always be on the lookout for unusual changes in the discharges from the vagina or penis. Other signs to look out for are: burning when urinating, unusual sores and itching around the sex organs, unexpected rash on the skin or swollen glands in the groin areas. Remember the same behaviors that give you STIs are the same behaviors that give you HIV, a disease for which there is no known cure.

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What sexual behaviors put you at risk?

You are at risk of getting HIV if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with an infected person. If you have more than one sex partner, or a new partner use a condom each time you have sex. If you or your partner do drugs or share drug needles then you would also be at risk.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease in which the body's natural immune (protection) system breaks down, leaving it unable to fight off infections. A person with AIDS gets illnesses that are little or no threat to others with a healthy immune system.

What causes AIDS?

AIDS is caused by the virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a sexually transmitted virus and is present in the blood and other body fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions of an infected person.

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How do I get HIV/AIDS?

You can get HIV/AIDS through any of the following ways:

1. By having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
2. By using contaminated drug needles
3. Through transfusion of blood or blood produced from an infected source (In Jamaica all blood entering the Blood Bank is thoroughly screened for HIV).
4. An infected mother can pass the virus on to her unborn child either during birth or breast milk.

Who are at risk of getting HIV/AIDS?

1. Persons who have unprotected sex
2. Persons with many sex partners
3. Persons who have had repeat infections of STIs
4. Male and female prostitutes
5. Persons who have sex with someone who is HIV positive
6. Past or present users of needles to inject illicit drugs, eg. Cocaine

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What happens when HIV enters the body?

HIV is a silent virus which slowly destroys the body's immune system. The majority of person infected with HIV do not know they have the virus and do not show any signs of the disease. However, they can infect others. Persons who have been infected with HIV will eventually develop AIDS.

How can I know if I am infected with HIV?

You have to take an HIV test to know if you are infected. This test should be done after proper pre test counseling. The test is done 3-6 weeks after someone suspects that they have been infected to look for HIV antibodies which would mean that the virus is present.

What are some of the symptoms of AIDS?

The symptoms of AIDS resemble that of many other diseases, however, when two or more of the following are present one may be suspected of having HIV/AIDS:

• Rapid weight loss
• Fatigue
• Swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin
• Diarrhea and loss of appetite lasting more than a month

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Can I get HIV/AIDS through casual contact?

No, you cannot get HIV/AIDS through casual contact. There are no cases of persons getting the disease by shaking hands, sharing the same glass, utensils, toilet, telephone or through any of the regular household or workplace experiences.

Can HIV/AIDS be prevented?

Yes. HIV/AIDS can be prevented. Because there is no cure for AIDS, people must be very careful to change their sexual behavior. Here are some ways to help prevent the spread of AIDS.

• Abstain or delay sex
• Be faithful to one uninfected partner
• Use a latex condom everytime you have sex (vaginal, anal, oral) with every partner
• Do not do drugs or share injection needles
• Do not have sex with prostitutes
• Seek early and complete treatments for STIs
• Get the facts of STIs and AIDS

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