What is the difference between STDs, AIDS & HIV? What/Where is a good source to find clear distinction & info?

Question

I don't know anything about these things, and my ignorance scares me. I want to know everything. I want to know every type of STD, its symptoms, characteristics, & effects. I also want to know about HIV & AIDS. I often see them affiliated with each other; are they the same thing? I want to know the symptoms, characteristics & effects of HIV & AIDS as well. How can all these things be transmitted? What regions of the body are susceptible to these diseases?

Answer 1

Here's a source at the Center for Disease Control that should put you well on your way:



http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm



Quick summary: STDs are Sexually Transmitted Diseases. HIV is the virus that cause AIDS, the disease, which is sexually transmitted (among other ways.)

Answer 2

An STD is a Sexually Transmitted Disease. Many diseases (most commonly gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, venereal warts, trichomoniasis and HIV)are most commonly transmitted by sexual contact. Some of these diseases can also be transmitted to the mouth and throat during oral sex, or to the anal region during anal sex. These diseases do not survive in open air very well, so the toilet seat transmission rumor is not true. Sometimes, people can get gonorrhea, chlamydia or herpes infections in their eyes as well. Actually herpes is the common virus that causes cold sores. It just depends which mucus membrane came in contact with the infected person's infected area. HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS, or Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a very weak virus when outside the body, so it must be acquired direct contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal fluids directly into the other person's blood stream or mucus membranes of the vagina, anus, or throat most commonly. IV drug abusers can pass it to people they share needles with because it is common to pull out a little bit of blood into the syringe before injecting the drug. Another uncommon way of acquiring HIV is thru receiving a blood transfusion from an infected person. Not every one who is infected with HIV will go on to develop AIDS. Condoms provide very good protection from sexually transmitted HIV, and fair protection from some of the other diseases. If you have any other specific questions, please ask. These things are important for everyone to know.

Answer 3

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease - any form of disease contracted through sexual contact would be considered an STD. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which can be transmitted sexually but also can be transmitted by blood transfusion, shared needles, pregnancy - it is transmitted by bodily fluid. AIDS is Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - the HIV virus causes AIDS when the virus destroys enough of the T-cells in the human immune system.