HIV/AIDS and STDs Study Guide

Quizlet style flashcards covering key concepts related to HIV, AIDS, herpes, and gonorrhea based on the provided lecture notes.

When was HIV characterized?

HIV was characterized in the 1980s.

What earlier period saw instances of HIV?

HIV was found in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

What type of virus is HIV?

A primate virus.

Is there still stigma surrounding HIV?

Yes, stigma still exists.

Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

No, they are not the same.

What age group saw the first large wave of HIV?

People in their 20s to mid-30s.

What population was heavily affected early in the HIV epidemic?

MSM (men who have sex with men).

What causes AIDS?

Long-term damage from HIV.

Does HIV immediately cause AIDS?

No, it takes years/decades without treatment.

What is required for an AIDS diagnosis?

HIV + opportunistic infections + low CD4 count.

What is PTI?

Primary infection stage.

What are symptoms of PTI?

Fatigue, weight loss, flu-like symptoms.

What does ART do?

Extends life expectancy 10–50+ years.

Does HIV itself kill you?

No, infections kill you after immunity weakens.

What immune cell does HIV attack?

Helper T-cells (CD4).

What do CD4 cells normally do?

Fight microorganisms that make you sick.

How does HIV replicate?

By entering CD4 cells and replicating inside them.

Can infected CD4 cells spread HIV?

Yes.

Is there an HIV vaccine?

No.

How effective are condoms for HIV?

Barely effective depending on sex type.

What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

How is HIV transmitted?

Sex, blood, bodily fluids, needles, mother-to-child.

Is neonatal herpes dangerous for babies?

Yes, it is life-threatening.

What reduces neonatal herpes risk?

Antivirals, C-section.

What does HIV stand for?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

What does AIDS stand for?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Where can herpes appear?

Lips, throat, fingers, mouth, skin, genitals.

Is there a herpes vaccine?

No.

Why is herpes lifelong?

Integrates into DNA and stays forever.

Percent of males with herpes?

12%.

Percent of females with herpes?

22%.

How many Americans have herpes?

Approximately 45 million.

What does HSV-1 cause?

Oral herpes (cold sores).

Can HSV-1 lead to Alzheimer’s?

Possibly.

Treatments for HSV?

Acyclovir, Valacyclovir.

Where does HSV live?

In nerve cells.

What triggers herpes outbreaks?

Stress, trauma, sunburn.

What is whitlow?

Herpes on the fingers.

Who gets HSV-2 more easily?

Females.

Which direction is herpes most transmitted?

Male to female.

Can herpes spread without lesions?

Yes, asymptomatic shedding.

Can people with herpes have sex?

Yes, if treated.

Do condoms fully prevent herpes?

No.

Can herpes be transmitted during childbirth?

Yes.

List major STDs.

HIV, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Syphilis, HPV, Chlamydia.

How does gonorrhea affect newborns?

Eye infection; treated with eye drops.

Is there a gonorrhea vaccine?

No.

Can gonorrhea be asymptomatic?

Yes.

Top states for gonorrhea?

Mississippi, Alaska, Alabama.

Long-term issues from gonorrhea?

Scarring, sterility, ectopic pregnancy.

What does gonorrhea discharge look like?

Yellow/green.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Antibiotics.

What is the major issue with gonorrhea treatment?

Rising antibiotic resistance.

Why are females considered high risk for STDs?

Often asymptomatic and untreated.

Why are STD rates rising?

Easier hookups in 2025.