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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) are caused by germs passed on from one person to another during sex. These diseases are very common, with over 4 million people receiving treatment for STD's in South Africa every year.

The symptoms of STD's are easy to identify :

• Pus or smelly fluids coming out of the penis / vagina.
• Blisters, sores or warts on private parts
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Needing to urinate more often than normal
• Pain during sex
• Unusual swelling near the penis / vagina
• Itching on or near genitals.

HIV is also on STD!

STD's however, can be treated and cured whereas AIDs can't! STD's make it easier for HIV to be passed on from one person to another.

HIV / Aids

Aids is the last phase of a deadly disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that destroy's a person's immune system, making it impossible for the body to fight off disease or illnesses. The trucking industry has long been identified as a high risk sector in the spread of HIV / Aids - make sure your drivers are fully aware of the disease and its implications!

HIV / Aids is spread from one person to another by :

• Having unprotected sex with an infected person
• Through contact with infected blood
• Sharing injection neddles and syringes
• From an infected mother to her unborn / newborn baby

There are no obvious signs to warn you whether a person is HIV positive or not - you cannot tell just by looking at them! It takes many years for HIV infection to show, and an infected person usually starts showing symptoms of other diseases like TB or pneumonia because of HIV infection.

• Early symptoms of HIV Infection and Aids :
• Weight loss, fatigue and poor appetite
• Fever and sweating, especially at night
• The glands in the groin, neck and armpits are swollen.

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