HIV/AIDS, Herpes and HPV in South African Youth Essay

Introduction The South African youth is the most affected demographic in sexually transmitted diseases due to the high number of cases it presents. According to the UNAIDS, it is this age group of the population that has shown the highest HIV prevalence over time. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like Herpes and HPV within the South African youth are also associated to the transmission of HIV because both of them increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, this interrelation between HIV and other STDs helps explain the HIV epidemic in South Africa. To better understand the situation of HIV/AIDS, Herpes and HPV prevalence over the last decade in the South African youth, we’ll first explain what these diseases are, how they are†¦show more content†¦Also, by having unprotected oral sex or sex while having other STDs, sharing needles or being born to an HIV-positive mother. C. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS Some people that are HIV-positive don’t show symptoms of the infection. Some of them start feeling sick when they are progressing towards AIDS. Others feel sick from time to time. After exposure of HIV a certain number of people experience also what is called ARS or Acute Retroviral Syndrome which they describe as an acute flu. This is often a response to the HIV infection. (AIDS.gov) Symptoms of an advanced HIV infection: Recurring fever, chills, dry cough, rashes, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, rapid weight loss, white spots or unusual blemishes in the mouth, memory loss, and depression and other neurological disorders. These symptoms are common once HIV progresses into AIDS. (AIDS.gov; CDC) D. Current treatments for HIV/AIDS The current treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART uses a combination of medications that help maintain HIV in control from spreading throughout the organism; therefore, it elongates the infected person’s life (AIDS.gov). At the moment, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. E. HIV cases in South African youth In South African countries sexual behavior in youth has been changing significantly over the course of the last decade. It seems that all the controlShow MoreRelatedThe Moral Justification For Contraceptive Provision Essay1481 Words   |  6 Pagesabortions (WHO, 2012). In South Africa alone approximately 5.6% of females aged 14-19 fell pregnant in the year of 2013. To put this into perspective it means 99 000 schoolgirls fell pregnant which approximates to 271 per day. This is an increase from the already high 68 000 adolescents who fell pregnant in the year 2011 (Statistics South Africa, 2014). With all of this combined with SA’s high burden of HIV impose a severe challenge to the health of the South African youth. One of the most effectiveRead MoreUnsafe Sex Practice3833 Words   |  16 PagesUnsafe sex or unprotected sex describes sexual contact of any form that takes place in the absence of a condom normally used in preventing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV (Chambers, 2010). The World Health Organisation (2004) considers all the consequences that can arise from unsafe sex practice and came up with a broader definition stating that any sexual contact that can lead to unwanted pregnancy, abortion, infertility, unstable mental conditions and cancer arising from certain