If a teen boy is sexually active and thinks he may have been exposed to HIV, what is the most effective way of handling the situation?
He should be tested for the virus. However, a test is not effective until six weeks or more after exposure. If he knows when he may have been exposed, he should get tested six weeks after the exposure date. If he is not sure when he was exposed, he should be tested right away to ensure the earliest treatment if infected. Since he doesn't know when he might have been exposed, the first test may not be reliable because the body may not yet be making antibodies against HIV. If the results are negative on the first test, it is best to get a second test after some time has passed in order to be completely sure that he has not been infected. He should abstain from any kind of sexual contact until it has been established that he is 100% HIV-free.
Why can't most STIs be transmitted through casual contact with people or contaminated objects?
Most germs that cause STIs die quickly once they have left the human body. Objects like eating utensils, toilet seats, and swimming pools are generally safe under usual circumstances.
Paul and Emilka have a child together. If Paul decides to leave Emilka and the baby, how will his legal obligations change?
Which of these is a healthy meal, especially during pregnancy?
How can HIV/AIDS be transmitted from one person to another without having any form of sexual contact, and why?
Blood contains the highest concentrations of the virus, so medical procedures involving blood, like blood transfusions, can transmit the virus; however, this is rare in the US. Getting a tattoo or a piercing can also transmit the virus if the needles are not properly cleaned; this is also very rare. Sharing needles for intravenous drugs will transmit the virus. Since breast milk also contains the virus, a mother can pass the virus to a nursing baby. She can also transmit the virus during pregnancy or during birth. Medications are available to lessen the chances of this kind of transmission happening.
Name three practices proven to be effective in lowering the risk of becoming infected with an STI.
Abstinence, monogamy, regular testing for infection, avoiding drugs and alcohol, waiting until an older age to become sexually active, using protection, and open communication with partners are all practices proven to be effective in lowering the risk of becoming infected with an STI.
Name two resources for coping available to a person infected with an STI.
In addition to general practitioners, family, and friends, there are clinics, charities, and agencies that specialize in providing counseling for individuals with STIs.
Why might a teenage girl who is using birth control be more at risk for becoming pregnant than a woman in her thirties?
Some forms of birth control may be less effective for teenage girls because their bodies haven't fully matured and settled into a regular menstrual cycle.
Name three STIs that can be life-threatening or lead to life-threatening illnesses.
Gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be life-threatening or lead to life-threatening illnesses.
What is the body's initial reaction to the HIV virus?
The body tries to fight the virus by creating special antibodies that target the virus.
If you think you may have an STI and would like to get more information, where can you learn more about STIs? Name at least three resources.
Places that provide various resouces about STIs can include schools, county health agencies, health clinics, online health sites, and private doctors' offices.
Explain why HIV is a life-threatening STI.
HIV has no cure. Medications can only prolong life and treat infections. The virus weakens the immune system and in time becomes AIDS, at which time it is very difficult for the body to fight off diseases and certain cancers.
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