Understanding HIV, AIDS, Gonorrhea & Syphilis: Definitions & Information

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A virus that targets the immune system and weakens people's defense systems against infections and some types of cancer. It leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The final and most severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to various opportunistic infections, cancers, and other complications.

Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium "Neisseria gonorrhea." It affects both men and women, causing symptoms such as painful or burning urination, discharge from the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, and joint pain in some cases. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including infertility and increased risk of contracting other STIs.

Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium "Treponema pallidum." It goes through various stages, each with different symptoms. These stages include primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis. Symptoms can range from painless sores or rashes to severe complications affecting the skin, bones, heart, and nervous system. Syphilis can be cured if treated early with appropriate antibiotics.