HIV1 vs HIV2

HIV, which is non-curable, is a virus that makes your immune system weak. According to CDC, there are more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US today. Being sexually active, it is essential to know about what kinds of STDs you could possibly contract, including HIV. If you are still wondering what HIV is, you need to know that there are two types- HIV1 and HIV2.

Now, with HIV 1 being the most common HIV that’s transmissible, you may ask again what is HIV1? Well, there is a difference between HIV 1 and 2, and so are the treatments for both. So, if you want to know the difference between HIV1 vs HIV2, you’re going to find out here.

HIV 1 is the most common HIV that occurs worldwide. It has been estimated that 95% of the people living with HIV are infected with HIV 1. HIV 2, on the other hand, is less common and concentrated mainly in West Africa and its neighbouring countries. Unlike HIV 1, HIV 2 is less fatal, and its progression is slower in comparison.

Another HIV-1 vs HIV-2 difference is that HIV 2 has a lower mortality rate in comparison to HIV 1. This is because the former may not show up symptoms in the person affected for a long period of time. Thus, the rate of progression is comparatively slower.

HIV 1 vs 2 is also differentiated by the treatment of both, which are different. The main reason for this is the genetic difference between both: as many as 55% of the genetic material of both viruses is different. So, if there is a cross-reactivity between HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies, it could mean that there will be a misdiagnosis. This, in turn, will lead to the under-reporting of people with HIV 2 infections. In such instances, an immunoassay test will help in identifying the particular type of HIV infection.

Although there are quite some differences between HIV1 vs HIV2, the mode of transmission is the same, that is, sexual intercourse or contact with contaminated blood. The clinical effects of both are also the same, meaning it can lead to AIDS. However, as mentioned above, HIV 2 has a lower progression rate. So, HIV 2 may likely not progress to AIDS, thanks to its low transmission.

Now, there have also been studies where it has been shown that a woman is more prone to contract HIV from a man than vice versa. There are several factors to justify this statement, including the fact that the vagina is more at risk of getting infected due to the number of susceptible tissue cells. So, the semen that the vagina takes in may come in contact with the cervix tissues and remain for a long time.

This doesn’t mean that men aren’t capable of contracting HIV. In fact, when a man has unprotected sex with a woman, the head of the penis and the urethra’s mucous membranes are the points of infection.

So, the best way to make sure that you don’t contract HIV 1 and 2 is to practice protected sex. As long as there is no contact with blood that may be contaminated, you are at low risk of contracting HIV while practicing safe sex.

Now that you know the differences between HIV1 vs HIV2, it does not mean that contracting HIV 2 is safer than contracting HIV 1. You need to make it a point that you don’t contract HIV at all. That’s because if you do, you are going to be taking therapies and treatments for the rest of your life. Unless you want to be in such a situation, it is always advisable that you take precautionary measures when it comes to your sexual life.

For instance, if you are just starting out a new relationship, make sure that you get tested for HIV first. You could also have a discussion with your partner and have him or her tested, too. This way, you can be sure that there is no contraction or transmission of HIV.

Also, if you happen to have had multiple sexual partners, it is best that you get tested for HIV, even though you don’t have any symptoms. Since HIV has the tendency to not show any symptoms until years later, you may not be aware if you are infected with it. And having sex without protection will only mean that you will be infecting your partner.

You can order an HIV test online from us, which is way convenient and easy. Our partners will ensure that all the tests are conducted in private, so your information will remain confidential. You could also opt for an HIV RNA test while ordering. This way, the detection of HIV will be faster than the rest of the tests.