For young people today, it is hard to imagine a time without HIV/AIDS, and future generations will be well-aware of this virus and the devastating impact it can have on the human immune system. However, just a few decades ago, HIV/AIDS was a little known and little talked about virus. And, despite its spread, the truth is that the virus has not been in this country very long. In fact, the first known case of AIDS only appeared in the United States in 1981.
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Sexually transmitted diseases are not as uncommon as many people think. It is estimated that there are 19 million new infections each year, and young people are particularly at risk. However, STDs are not a new concern. Throughout history, sexually transmitted diseases have been a serious health issue, even though the diseases weren't always recognized or understood for what they are.
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Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you and an unhealthy diet can increase your risk of cancer. However, not many people realize that having unprotected sex can also greatly increase your chances of developing cancer down the road. This is because many STDs can lead to cancer if left untreated, while other STDs break down your immune system and make you more vulnerable to developing cancer along with other diseases.
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