HIV PrEP is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against the virus, reducing the risk of infection by as much as 99 per cent. Until recently, however, PrEP was mainly available in Western countries. New programs and government efforts have increased the availability of PrEP in Africa. Sub-Saharan countries now account for more than 50 per cent of the world’s PrEP users.
Continue readingWhat Is the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial STIs?
You probably know that the most common types of STIs are caused by viruses and bacteria. Most people, however, are unaware of the important differences stemming from these two types of disease-causing microorganisms. While bacterial infections can be cured, there is no resolution for viral STIs at the time being.
Continue readingIs It Possible to Get Genital Herpes from Oral Herpes?
Oral and genital herpes are caused by two separate viruses that belong to the same family. This fact leads to important questions like can you get genital herpes from the oral virus and vice versa. The answer is yes and it all depends on the sexual practices you engage in.
Continue readingWhat It’s Really Like to Live with HIV (Going Beyond the Myths)
While HIV has been around for over four decades already, there’s still a ton of misunderstanding about the condition. Myths and misconceptions about living with HIV have persisted through the years. It’s now time to talk what it’s really like to live with HIV and how the condition can be managed.
Continue readingCould HIV Really Disappear by 2030?
Will UNAIDS projections for ending the HIV and AIDS pandemic by 2030 come true or will these be hindered by the coronavirus pandemic?
Continue readingHIV Self-Testing
Through the years, HIV self-testing kits have become more readily available and popular. These are especially useful for high-risk individuals interested in maintaining their privacy. While convenient, however, HIV self-testing kits pose specific challenges that have to be addressed as soon as possible.
Continue readingDid the Covid-19 Pandemic Cause STD Testing Shortages?
The tools and the methodologies used for STI and for coronavirus testing are similar. As a result, sexual health clinics in many parts of the world have experienced a reduction in the availability of testing resources. This disruption has contributed to major issues pertaining to timely STI diagnoses.
Continue readingA New Cure for STD Trichomoniasis Is on the Way
Trichomoniasis is the most common STI not caused by a virus. While a treatment for the condition is already in existence, medical authorities are always looking for new cures. A new clinical trial suggests that a common antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis is also effective for overcoming trichomoniasis.
Continue readingAnother Step Closer to Getting Rid of Herpes
A modification of the herpes simplex virus has enabled researchers to test a highly effective HSV vaccine on animals. In the study, the vaccine proved to be equally effective for the prevention of both oral and genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2).
Continue readingCovid-19 and HIV Trials Zoom in on More Effective Vaccine Development
A team from India has recently published its latest work that focuses on the development of HIV and novel coronavirus vaccines. The way the team tackles the two viruses is similar and it could potentially help for the creation of vaccines that work really well and that are inexpensive.
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