The human immunodeficiency virus (much more commonly known as “HIV”) is a virus that attacks and destroys a person’s T cells, making the immune system highly susceptible to disease and infection. If this virus is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Although there is still no cure for HIV or AIDS, the disease is highly treatable thanks to groundbreaking advances in medicine in recent decades. In fact, many who contract the disease today go on to live long, happy lives. And from a social perspective, the stigma surrounding the virus has also largely disappeared since its discovery in the 1980s.
What are HIV-1 and HIV-2?
HIV can be of two types: HIV-1 or HIV-2, although HIV-1 is much more common around the world, especially in the United States, where it accounts for 99.99 percent of all HIV diagnoses. Globally, that percentage still stands at an overwhelming 95 percent. HIV-2 is most prominent in West Africa, with a relatively small number of cases in India and only sporadic cases in a handful of other locations. So chances are that if you hear about HIV in the media or through conversations, you will hear about HIV-1 and not the much rarer HIV-2.
What is the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
Although both types of HIV have essentially similar effects on the immune system, HIV-1 and HIV-2 are actually very different. In terms of genetic characteristics, HIV-1 and HIV-2 are only about 55 percent identical to each other. If this is the case, treatment options vary widely depending on the type of HIV a patient has.
One reason HIV-1 rates are so much higher is that HIV-1 is a much more viral strand; much easier to pass and much easier to contract than HIV-2. It develops faster and has a greater chance of worsening. The progression of HIV-2 is much slower and most carriers of the virus will never pass it on to anyone else.
Those with HIV-2 tend to have a much lower “viral load,” which refers to the amount of virus in their blood. This is also how doctors recognize that a treatment – for HIV-1 or 2 – is working or that additional measures need to be taken.
Both types of HIV are transmitted through the transfer of bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, or sexual fluids. Most often, these types of transmissions occur through unprotected sex or sharing needles, although the risk of contracting the disease is reduced (but completely eliminated) if HIV medications are taken correctly. It is impossible to contract the disease through casual contact, such as a hug or handshake, and despite rumors you cannot contract the virus from a toilet seat, drinking fountain or a number of other everyday objects or events.
Conclusion
It is always best to practice safe sex with your partners and encourage openness and honesty when it comes to each other’s sexual health. Although manageable, HIV is still a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease and can be dangerous if not treated properly and in its early stages. When it comes to stopping the spread of HIV, it’s always a good idea to get tested and encourage your partners to do the same.