Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs), HIV & AIDS – JSS3 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases spread through sexual intercourse. They affect both males and females and are caused by germs such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi or viruses. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and causes AIDS, a condition in which the weakened body develops signs and symptoms.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• give the full meaning of STDs, HIV and AIDS;
• list the signs and symptoms of AIDS;
• state the ways HIV is and is not transmitted;
• outline ways of preventing HIV/AIDS and of caring for people living with AIDS;
• state the effects of HIV/AIDS on an individual.

What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are spread through sexual intercourse. Many STDs affect both males and females. The germs that cause STDs include bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses.

In Nigeria, syphilis and gonorrhoea are common. Most STDs can be cured if treated early, but AIDS cannot be cured once a person has been infected.

• HIV means human immunodeficiency virus.
• AIDS means acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

What is HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that lives in the human body and produces new copies of itself. It does not live in lower animals, insects or water. It lives within the host and multiplies.

A virus is a very small germ that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Once HIV gets into the human body, it cannot be removed.

HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It attacks the immune system, weakens it and exposes the body to infections. HIV is detected through the antibodies present in the body of the affected person.

What is AIDS?

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition in which a person’s immune system has become so weak that signs and symptoms (called a syndrome) develop. When this happens, doctors may carry out a series of tests for HIV.

What are the signs and symptoms of AIDS?

1. Coughing for more than one month
2. Itchy skin and swollen glands at two or more sites
3. Tiredness and fever that has refused to go away
4. Rapid unexplained weight loss
5. Diarrhoea (on and off or all the time)
6. Prolonged malaria
7. Loss of appetite
8. Blisters on the mouth or private parts

How is HIV transmitted?

1. Through unprotected sex
2. From an infected mother to her baby
3. Through sharp cutting objects, e.g. knives and razor blades
4. Through infected blood

How is HIV not spread?

AIDS cannot be spread through the following:

1. Eating
2. Handshake
3. Sharing clothes
4. Swimming
5. Sleeping with family members or others in the same room
6. Sharing plates and cups
7. Sharing toilets and bedrooms

How can HIV/AIDS be prevented?

1. Avoid sex before marriage or refuse sex outside marriage.
2. Do not share needles or syringes with anyone.
3. Accept a blood transfusion only when the blood has been tested and declared safe from HIV.
4. Avoid sharing razor blades or other skin-cutting objects, e.g. in nail cutting, tribal markings, dressing and circumcision.
5. Attend a clinic or hospital for testing and counselling if you are worried about AIDS, especially when planning to marry.
6. Avoid becoming pregnant if you are an HIV/AIDS patient.

How can we care for people living with AIDS?

1. Wear plastic gloves when treating a patient’s injury.
2. Treat any wound sustained by the patient with AIDS and cover it with a waterproof dressing.
3. Provide persons living with AIDS with spiritual counselling and pray for them.

What are the effects of HIV/AIDS on an individual?

1. Weakens the body cells
2. Damages the body system
3. Causes untimely death
4. Damages the nervous system
5. Does not allow the body to fight infections
6. Brings about chronic diarrhoea

Evaluation

1. What are sexually transmitted diseases?
2. Name two STDs that are common in Nigeria.
3. State the difference between HIV and AIDS.
4. List three ways in which HIV is transmitted.
5. List three ways in which HIV cannot be spread.

Assignment

1. Give the full meaning of HIV, STDs and AIDS.
2. Mention four signs and symptoms of AIDS.
3. Outline three ways of caring for people infected with AIDS.
4. State three effects of HIV/AIDS.