Most of us are aware of the fact that the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune system making its victims more susceptible to diseases and premature death. This is true but that isn’t all there is to know about this virus....CONTINUE READING
You should also know that although HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transmitted without sexual intercourseAnother thing many people are ignorant of is the fact that HIV has different types.
The two main types of HIV are HIV-1 and HIV-2. Although both types have many similarities they also have key differences which you should know to widen your knowledge about this virus. In this article, I’ll like to enlighten you about the differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2 according to Medical News Today
1. Occurrence
HIV is a disease that occurs all over the world however HIV-1 is the most common of its types worldwide. About 95% of persons living with HIV have the more dangerous type, HIV-1. HIV-1 is more predominant than HIV-2 hence most HIV patients are assumed to have it. But more tests can be done to determine the actual type a person has.
2. Transmission and mortality
HIV-1 is more easily transmitted from person to person (infectious) and also kills faster ( virulent) than HIV-2. This is why you must not come in sexual contact with an infected person because there is a high chance the person is infected with HIV-1
3. Symptoms
Both types of HIV have the same symptoms as they infect the body in similar ways. However, symptoms of HIV-2 take longer too than HIV-1. HIV-2 also develops more slowly and causes fewer deaths than HIV-1. People with HIV-1 also have more viral load than other types…CONTINUE READING>>
