Syphilis is an STD that’s caused by a bacterium. According to CDC, over 55,000 people will get infected with the disease. A person gets syphilis by coming into direct contact with a person with a syphilis sore. Left untreated, syphilis can cause long-term complications and, in some cases, death.

How do I know if I have it?

The first sign of a syphilis infection is one or more small, painless sores on your body. They are most often found on your genitals (penis or vagina), anus or mouth. Left untreated, syphilis may also appear as a rash on your body – especially on the palms of your hand or the soles of your feet.

Can it be cured or treated?

In its early stages, syphilis can be treated with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. It’s important to know that the symptoms of syphilis will go away with or without treatment; however, the infection will remain in your body – unless it’s treated.

Wearing a latex condom is one of the best ways to prevent syphilis infection; however, any area not covered by a condom that comes into contact with a syphilis sore is subject to infection.

For more information about syphilis and its symptoms, read the CDC post here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm.

Need to get tested? Find a Mississippi health center near you: https://factnotfictionms.com/clinics.

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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

HIV affects specific cells in your immune system (the part of your body that keeps you from getting sick), and it can eventually destroy enough cells that your body can no longer defend you against diseases or infections. Once this happens, HIV leads to AIDS.

As of 2009, 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS, but about 18% of them did not know they were infected. Young people and African Americans have a much higher risk of infection.

How do I know if I have it?

The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. Many people, who are infected with HIV, do not report any symptoms for 10 years or more. While some people do report having flu-like symptoms (as well as enlarged lymph nodes, rash, sore throat, or fever), this can also be a result of another illness.

If you think you may be infected, it’s important to get tested by a doctor. Use the Fact Not Fiction health center locator below to find a location near you.

Can it be cured or treated?

While there is therapy that lengthens the lives of many people, the Center for Disease Control says, “For most people, the answer is no.” While scientists are working hard to find a cure, no safe and effective cure currently exists. For that reason, it is extremely important that people who think they may be infected get tested.

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing heterosexual sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

If you need to get tested, visit our website for help locating a Mississippi clinic near you: https://www.factnotfiction.com/clinic-finder

To learn more about HIV/AIDS, visit the CDC for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html and https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/oralsex.htm

The post The HIV/AIDS Files appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

It is particularly common among sexually active teenagers, young adults and African Americans.

It can be contracted through anal, vaginal or oral sex.

How do I know if I have it?

For Men:
Some men do not have any symptoms; however, symptoms can include a burning feeling while urinating – as well as a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis. Some men with gonorrhea have swollen or painful testicles.

For Women:
Most women do not have any symptoms. That said, symptoms can include a painful sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Even women with no symptoms are at risk of developing serious complications from infection.

For Men and Women:
For rectal infections, symptoms may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. There also may be no symptoms.

While throat infections usually have no symptoms, sore throat may be a symptom.

Can it be cured or treated?
It can be cured with medication; however, it is important that you take ALL medication prescribed to you. While medicine will stop the infection, it will not heal any permanent damage caused by gonorrhea.

Remember: The best treatment is prevention. If you do choose to have sex (anal, oral, or vaginal), using latex condoms correctly can help reduce the risk of spreading gonorrhea. If you’re unsure about whether you or your partner has gonorrhea, be sure to get tested first. Read more at the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm

If you need to get tested, visit our website for help locating a Mississippi clinic near you: https://www.factnotfictionms.com/clinics

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