Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs): Sexually transmitted illnesses are those diseases which are mainly transmitted through intimate sexual contact. Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chancroid, Genital Herpes, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B and C are some such STIs. Most of the STIs are easily curable

AIDS: ( Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is also one of the STIs and is caused by a virus called ‘Human immunodeficiency Virus’ (HIV). Prevention is the only cure of AIDS.

STI and HIV/AIDS spread : - through unprotected sex with infected person. – Transfusion of infected blood or blood products. – from infected pregnant mother to new born child.

People who are more prone to getting STIs or HIV/AIDS: Those who have more than one sexual partners. – people whose sexual partner has more than one sexual partners.- those who have to get repeated blood transfusions.- people who share needles for drug use (IVdrug Users) – If mother of new born is infected.

How to protect yourself from STIs/HIV/AIDS: - Abstain from sex , Have sex only with one mutually faithful partner/life partner. Use condom if more than one partner. Bottle of blood should be tested for HIV/STIs before being used for transfusion, Use disposable syringes for injection or else boil needle and syringe for 20 minutes before use

STIs and HIV/AIDS DO NOT spread through: Non sexual contact like shaking hands, hugging, eating , living together or sleeping on the same bed,coughing or sneezing. sharing clothes, public toilets. mosquitoes or bed bugs.