Sexuality Transmitted Infection (STIs, HIV/AIDs) – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (Third Term)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI), also called a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an illness spread from one person to another through sexual contact.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain what a sexually transmitted infection is;
2. name types of STIs and state their symptoms;
3. state how HIV is spread and the signs of HIV/AIDS;
4. explain the treatment of HIV/AIDS;
5. list ways of preventing STIs and HIV.

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

STIs are illnesses passed from one person to another through sexual contact with an infected person.

• Examples: gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS.
• Treatment: some STIs can be treated and cured, but others cannot.
• Danger: they can cause serious damage to the body and even death.
• Risk: any sexual activity carries the risk of STIs, including HIV.
• Causes: some are caused by bacteria (gonorrhoea, syphilis) and some by viruses (HIV).

What are the types of STIs?

Three common STIs taught at this level are gonorrhoea, syphilis and AIDS.

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

• Discharge and itching: from the penis or vagina.
• Painful urination: passing urine hurts.
• Infertility: if untreated, it can make a person unable to have children.
• Effect on a baby: if a pregnant woman has the disease, her baby’s eyes can be affected at birth.
• Treatment: a doctor gives antibiotics.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

• Sores: painless sores appear on the sex organs.
• General signs: fever, aches, rashes and hair loss.
• Later stages: the heart, eyes and brain are damaged.
• Final effects: untreated syphilis can lead to mental illness and death.
• Treatment: a doctor gives antibiotics.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the late stage of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

• HIV: a virus that enters the body and destroys cells of the immune system.
• Immune system: the body’s defence against sickness.
• Effect of HIV: the body becomes weak and cannot fight sickness well.
• AIDS: without treatment, a person with HIV becomes sick with AIDS, which can lead to death.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus. AIDS is the condition that develops when HIV has badly weakened the immune system.

How can HIV be spread?

HIV is spread through body fluids such as blood, in the following ways.

• Sex: having sex with a person who already has HIV.
• Infected blood: receiving a blood transfusion with infected blood.
• Unsterilised objects: using a needle or blade that was used on a person with HIV and not sterilised.
• Mother to child: a woman with HIV can pass it to her baby.

How does a baby get HIV from its mother?

1. While in the mother’s womb.
2. At birth.
3. Through breast milk (breastfeeding).

How is HIV not spread?

HIV is not spread by ordinary daily contact with an infected person.

• Touch: handshakes and hugs.
• Sharing: eating from the same plate or using the same cup.
• Air and insects: coughing, sneezing and mosquito bites.
• Everyday places: sharing a classroom, toilet or bed.

What are the signs of HIV/AIDS?

A person with HIV may look healthy for years, so only a test can show for certain that a person has HIV.

• Fever: frequent or lasting high temperature.
• Rashes: skin rashes and sores.
• Diarrhoea: that keeps coming back.
• Weight loss: the person becomes thin and weak.
• Frequent sickness: the body catches infections easily.
• Death: may result if the person is not treated.

How is HIV/AIDS treated?

There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, but medicines can control it.

1. Go to a hospital or clinic for an HIV test and advice.
2. A health worker gives antiretroviral (ARV) medicines, which reduce the amount of virus in the body.
3. Other medicines are used to treat the infections that come with HIV/AIDS.
4. With proper treatment, a person with HIV can feel much better and live longer.
5. Good food, rest and regular check-ups help the person stay strong.

How can STIs and HIV be prevented?

STIs and HIV can be prevented by safe choices and safe habits.

1. Do not have sex until you get married. When you are married, stay faithful to your partner.
2. A sexually active person should have sex only with a faithful partner who is known to be uninfected.
3. In all other situations, adults are advised to use condoms during sex.
4. Women with HIV should seek medical advice before getting pregnant.
5. Avoid blood transfusion as much as possible.
6. If a blood transfusion cannot be avoided, insist on blood that has been tested for HIV.
7. Do not share needles, blades or razors, and make sure they are sterilised.
8. Go to a clinic early if you notice signs of an STI.

Evaluation

1. What is a sexually transmitted infection?
2. Mention three types of STIs and one symptom of each.
3. State four ways in which HIV can be spread.
4. State four ways of preventing STIs and HIV/AIDS.

Assignment

What are the effects of HIV/AIDS on the victims, the victims’ families and the nation?