Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are important health topics... Show more
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Feb 4, 2026
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Understanding STDs and HIV/AIDS
Maria Carell
@mariacenter_lrni
1 / 10
STD's, HIV/AIDS Introduction
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - also called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - are communicable diseases that pass from person to person, primarily through sexual contact. While they're common, they're also preventable with the right knowledge and precautions.
STIs can be transmitted through infected bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluid, as well as through skin-to-skin contact with infected sores. Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, needle reuse, and from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Health Alert: STIs affect people of all ages, but nearly half of all new infections occur in young people between 15 and 24 years old. Knowing the facts helps you make safer choices!
STI Statistics
STIs are surprisingly common in the United States. In 2018 alone, there were 26 million new sexually transmitted infections nationwide. This isn't something that only happens to "other people" - it's a reality that affects millions.
About 1 in 5 Americans has an STI, totaling nearly 68 million infections. What might surprise you is that almost half of all new infections occur in young people aged 15-24. This is why understanding STIs is especially relevant for high school students.
These infections aren't just a health concern - they have a huge economic impact too. New STIs total nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs annually, making prevention not just good for your health but also for your wallet.
Remember: Knowing these statistics doesn't mean you should feel scared - it means you should feel empowered to protect yourself with knowledge!
Most Common STIs
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the US, affecting about 80 million Americans, including 14 million teens. While many people with HPV show no symptoms, some develop warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat. The good news? There's a vaccine that's most effective when given between ages 11-12.
Chlamydia ranks second and is a bacterial infection that can be completely cured with antibiotics. Symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, pain while urinating, and unusual spotting, though many people have no symptoms at all.
Gonorrhea is similar to chlamydia and can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Both infections are treatable with antibiotics but can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Good to Know: Many STIs don't show obvious symptoms right away, which is why regular testing is important if you're sexually active, even if you feel perfectly fine.
HIV/AIDS Basics
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your body's immune system, specifically targeting white blood cells that normally fight off infections. When HIV damages these cells, your body becomes less able to defend itself against illnesses.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) represents the late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged. It's important to understand that HIV is the virus, while AIDS is the condition that develops from untreated HIV.
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual fluids, blood, or breast milk. Unlike some myths suggest, you can't get HIV from casual contact like holding hands, sharing utensils, or being around someone who coughs or sneezes.
Science Fact: With today's treatments, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition rather than the death sentence it once was. Early detection and treatment are key!
HIV Transmission and Prevention
HIV can be transmitted during unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV. It can also spread through sharing needles, accidental needle sticks (affecting healthcare workers), or through contact with HIV-positive blood during emergencies.
Blood transfusions and organ transplants are now extremely safe due to rigorous testing. However, unsterilized equipment for tattoos or piercings can still pose a risk, so always make sure you're visiting reputable professionals.
For prevention, there are two important medication options: PEP is taken within 72 hours after possible exposure, while PrEP is taken daily by people at high risk to prevent infection before exposure occurs.
Stay Informed: Using protection during sex and never sharing needles are still the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission, alongside these medication options.
HIV Symptoms and Treatment
HIV infection progresses through stages. In the early weeks, you might experience flu-like symptoms including fever, swollen glands, rash, and muscle pain. These initial symptoms typically fade after a few weeks, which is why many people don't realize they're infected.
Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system over years, leading to frequent infections, diarrhea, and weight loss. If it progresses to AIDS, more serious conditions develop, including severe weight loss, certain types of pneumonia, and cancers like Kaposi sarcoma.
While there's no cure for HIV, modern treatments called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels. This allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevents progression to AIDS. Regular blood tests monitor treatment effectiveness.
Hope Matters: With proper medical care, HIV is now a manageable chronic condition. People with HIV who receive treatment early can have nearly the same life expectancy as those without HIV!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding STDs and HIV/AIDS
Maria Carell
@mariacenter_lrni
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are important health topics all teens should understand. These infections can be passed through sexual contact and sometimes other means, but with knowledge comes power to protect yourself and others. Let's explore what these... Show more
STD's, HIV/AIDS Introduction
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - also called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - are communicable diseases that pass from person to person, primarily through sexual contact. While they're common, they're also preventable with the right knowledge and precautions.
STIs can be transmitted through infected bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluid, as well as through skin-to-skin contact with infected sores. Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, needle reuse, and from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Health Alert: STIs affect people of all ages, but nearly half of all new infections occur in young people between 15 and 24 years old. Knowing the facts helps you make safer choices!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
STI Statistics
STIs are surprisingly common in the United States. In 2018 alone, there were 26 million new sexually transmitted infections nationwide. This isn't something that only happens to "other people" - it's a reality that affects millions.
About 1 in 5 Americans has an STI, totaling nearly 68 million infections. What might surprise you is that almost half of all new infections occur in young people aged 15-24. This is why understanding STIs is especially relevant for high school students.
These infections aren't just a health concern - they have a huge economic impact too. New STIs total nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs annually, making prevention not just good for your health but also for your wallet.
Remember: Knowing these statistics doesn't mean you should feel scared - it means you should feel empowered to protect yourself with knowledge!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Most Common STIs
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the US, affecting about 80 million Americans, including 14 million teens. While many people with HPV show no symptoms, some develop warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat. The good news? There's a vaccine that's most effective when given between ages 11-12.
Chlamydia ranks second and is a bacterial infection that can be completely cured with antibiotics. Symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, pain while urinating, and unusual spotting, though many people have no symptoms at all.
Gonorrhea is similar to chlamydia and can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Both infections are treatable with antibiotics but can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Good to Know: Many STIs don't show obvious symptoms right away, which is why regular testing is important if you're sexually active, even if you feel perfectly fine.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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HIV/AIDS Basics
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your body's immune system, specifically targeting white blood cells that normally fight off infections. When HIV damages these cells, your body becomes less able to defend itself against illnesses.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) represents the late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged. It's important to understand that HIV is the virus, while AIDS is the condition that develops from untreated HIV.
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual fluids, blood, or breast milk. Unlike some myths suggest, you can't get HIV from casual contact like holding hands, sharing utensils, or being around someone who coughs or sneezes.
Science Fact: With today's treatments, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition rather than the death sentence it once was. Early detection and treatment are key!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
HIV Transmission and Prevention
HIV can be transmitted during unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV. It can also spread through sharing needles, accidental needle sticks (affecting healthcare workers), or through contact with HIV-positive blood during emergencies.
Blood transfusions and organ transplants are now extremely safe due to rigorous testing. However, unsterilized equipment for tattoos or piercings can still pose a risk, so always make sure you're visiting reputable professionals.
For prevention, there are two important medication options: PEP is taken within 72 hours after possible exposure, while PrEP is taken daily by people at high risk to prevent infection before exposure occurs.
Stay Informed: Using protection during sex and never sharing needles are still the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission, alongside these medication options.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
HIV Symptoms and Treatment
HIV infection progresses through stages. In the early weeks, you might experience flu-like symptoms including fever, swollen glands, rash, and muscle pain. These initial symptoms typically fade after a few weeks, which is why many people don't realize they're infected.
Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system over years, leading to frequent infections, diarrhea, and weight loss. If it progresses to AIDS, more serious conditions develop, including severe weight loss, certain types of pneumonia, and cancers like Kaposi sarcoma.
While there's no cure for HIV, modern treatments called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels. This allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevents progression to AIDS. Regular blood tests monitor treatment effectiveness.
Hope Matters: With proper medical care, HIV is now a manageable chronic condition. People with HIV who receive treatment early can have nearly the same life expectancy as those without HIV!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Health & Medicine
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user