What are HIV and STDs?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). STDs are Sexually Transmitted Diseases, which include HIV and other infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and HPV.

How are HIV and other STDs passed?

The most common method of infection for HIV and other STDs is through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). Many infections can also be passed through sharing needles, contact with infected blood, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth. HIV and other STDs are not passed casually by such activities as hugging or shaking hands. Each infection is different. See the fact sheets below for more information on each type of STD.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Many people with HIV do not have symptoms for several years after becoming infected. Some people may develop mild, temporary flu-like symptoms or swollen glands right after becoming infected. When someone has been infected with HIV for some time, they can exhibit symptoms of AIDS which are usually more serious. However, the only way to know for sure if you are infected is to get tested.

What are the symptoms of other STDs?

Many people do not have any symptoms. Those that do can have pain when urinating, a discharge, or blisters in the genital region. Each STD causes different symptoms, see the fact sheets below for more information. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to see a medical professional.

Where can I get tested?

In Texas, most counties have a location for getting tested for HIV and other STDs. Go here to find a location near you.

Can I talk to a live person about my concerns or questions about HIV and other STDs?

To find out where to get tested or receive services for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in Texas, dial 2-1-1. For all other questions about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, dial 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

How do I order HIV/STD educational materials from the Department of State Health Services?

Go here for a listing of HIV/STD pamphlets, posters, and fact sheets. Educational materials are available electronically and/or as hard copies from the DSHS Warehouse.

What is the Texas HIV/STD E-Update?

The Texas HIV/STD E-Update is an e-mail bulletin that includes information useful for HIV/STD service providers and the general public. Go here for more information.

Where can I find out more information about HIV and other STDs?

The fact sheets below contain basic information on symptoms, transmission, and treatment for HIV and other STDs. The links section of this website includes several hundred links to sites from around the world with more information about HIV and other STDs.

HIV/STD-Related Fact Sheets

STDs:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D
• Hepatitis E
• Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (from the CDC) (More HPV information)
• NGU
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Pubic Lice
• Scabies
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Vaginitis
• Yeast (Thrush)

Tuberculosis (TB) is not sexually transmitted, but it is very dangerous to those with HIV:

• Tuberculosis (TB)

Information about HIV transmission and testing:

• Should I Get an HIV Test? (also available in Spanish ) - This fact sheet was designed to comply with Texas Family Code, Chapter 2, Section 2.010, "AIDS Information," which requires county clerks to provide HIV/AIDS information to marriage license applicants.
• HIV/AIDS and the Workplace - This fact sheet was developed to comply with Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 85, Section 85.111, “Education of State Employees,” which requires Texas state agencies to annually provide HIV/AIDS information to each state employee.
• HIV Prevention Among Injection Drug Users (from the CDC)
• Information About Your HIV Antibody Test (also available in Spanish )
• Information For Persons with Negative HIV Antibody Tests (also available in Spanish )
• Information for Persons with Positive HIV Antibody Tests (also available in Spanish )
• Oral Sex and HIV
• Spousal Notification
• Update on Seroconversion for HIV Infection

Information about STD transmission and testing:

• Latex Condoms and STDs: Prevention Message Guidelines from CDC
• STD Awareness Slideshow (from 2002 STD Awareness Month Presentation)
• STDs and Condoms

Fact sheet on the best ways to communicate with your kids about sex:

• How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex (also available in Spanish )

People with suppressed immune systems (like those with HIV) are at risk if they eat raw oysters:

• The Risk Of Eating Raw Oysters (also available in Spanish )

Information for health professionals about STD testing and treatment:

• 2006 STD Treatment Guidelines
• Interpretation of Serologic Test for Syphilis

Information for people with HIV transitioning from prison:

• Getting Started in the Free World Fact Sheets - County Reference List
• Getting Started in the Free World (Central Texas)
• Getting Started in the Free World (Dallas/Fort Worth)
• Getting Started in the Free World (East Texas)
• Getting Started in the Free World (Houston)
• Getting Started in the Free World (North Texas)
• Getting Started in the Free World (San Antonio)
• Getting Started in the Free World (South Texas)
• Getting Started in the Free World (West Texas)

Are there other HIV/STD materials available?

Yes. Materials are produced by the federal government, other states, local communities, community based organizations, clinics, doctor's offices, hospitals, schools, and service organizations every year. DSHS has a Program Materials Review Panel (PMRP) that reviews many new publications, videos, and other educational materials every year for use in DSHS HIV/STD prevention activities. Go here for a list of materials reviewed since 1999.

What other resources are available from the HIV/STD Program?

Clinical Toolkit

The Department of State Health Services produces a Clinical Toolkit to assist clinicians working with clients with HIV with easy access to treament and prevention information. Go here for more information on the Clinical Toolkits.

STD Marketing Campaign

In 1999, the Texas Department of Health created an STD marketing campaign. Go here for background and the actual TV and radio spots featured in the campaign.

HOPWA Lead Pamphlet

Protect Your Family From Lead in the Home (for HOPWA contractors from the EPA) (also in Spanish )

I still have questions.

You can contact the HIV/STD Program via or call us at (512) 533-3000.

Last Updated October 4, 2007