37.9 million people across the world are living with HIV. When people have questions surrounding HIV, it can be confusing when you don’t understand the difference between HIV type 1 and 2.
Below we’re going to point out some of the main differences while at the same time answering the question what is the difference between HIV 1 and HIV 2 providing more detail about each type of virus.
Difference Between HIV and Aids
Before we get into what’s the difference between HIV 1 and HIV 2 viruses, it’s essential to understand and describe the difference between HIV and Aids. When people hear the term HIV, they immediately link it to AIDS.
The main difference is that HIV is a virus, and to have AIDS, someone would need to be infected with HIV. However, just because someone has HIV doesn’t mean that they will develop AIDS.
HIV-1
When answering the question, what is the difference between HIV 1 and HIV 2, it starts with where the virus strains are found. HIV-1 is the form of the virus that can be found in more than one place worldwide.
As HIV-1 continues to progress for the affected person, the CD4 counts found within the body will lower over time. There are various groups of classification that HIV-1 is categorized under.
The groups include M, O, P, and N. Most people who have contracted HIV-1 fall within the M group; there are several other subgroups.
HIV-2
HIV-2 is a strain of the virus that is typically found in West Africa. It can be found in other places such as India, but this will be the region that has the most documented cases of affected people.
This strain’s progression is on the slow side compared to HIV-1, and it typically doesn’t get as worse as HIV-1 can. HIV-2 has some subgroups, A and B.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
There are several ways that HIV is transmitted from person to person. One person has to have direct contact with the body fluids of someone that has contracted HIV.
Bodily fluids include:
- Semen
- Blood
- Vaginal fluids
Once someone has come into contact with someone infected bodily fluids, it makes its way into their blood system through cuts or by injection in a person’s mucus membrane.
Symptoms of HIV
Symptoms that you should be on the lookout for include a weakened immune system causing someone to become sick frequently. A person might also notice an increase in aches and pains throughout the body.
The best thing to do when symptoms present themselves is to have an STD test performed and consult your primary care physician.
What Is the Difference Between HIV 1 and HIV 2?
We’ve answered the question what is the difference between HIV 1 and HIV 2 by providing you with some key differences. You’ll also find tons of information about signs and symptoms that you or someone you know might have contracted the virus.
You should always stay on top of your sexual health, and the best way to do that is to submit to regular STD testing. Here at STD Test Info, we’ve got everything you need to remain up-to-date about your current STD status.