Lesson 1 — Understanding STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from person to person primarily through sexual contact. They are among the most common infectious diseases globally, with young people ages 15–24 accounting for nearly half of new U.S. cases.
Most STIs are asymptomatic. The only way to know your status is to get tested. The CDC recommends annual STI screening for sexually active individuals under 25.
Lesson 2 — HIV and AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks CD4+ T-cells — the commanders of the immune system. Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), when the immune system can no longer fight infections.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV to undetectable levels. People with undetectable HIV cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). HIV is now a manageable chronic condition, not a death sentence.
- HIV is transmitted through blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids
- HIV is NOT spread through casual contact: hugging, sharing food, toilet seats
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily medication that prevents HIV
- Needle exchange programs reduce HIV transmission among drug users
Lesson 3 — Prevention Strategies
Prevention is the most effective approach to STIs. A combination of behavioral and biomedical strategies provides the strongest protection.
Lesson 4 — Reducing Stigma & Getting Help
STI stigma prevents people from getting tested, treated, and disclosing their status to partners — making the public health problem worse. Accurate information is the antidote to stigma.
- STIs are medical conditions, not moral judgments — anyone who is sexually active can get one
- Early treatment prevents complications (infertility, cancer, organ damage)
- Partner notification is an ethical responsibility — many health departments offer anonymous notification
- Planned Parenthood and local health clinics offer confidential, low-cost testing
