THE 411 ON HIV/AIDS

Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with STDs may be more likely to contract HIV. STDs, such as herpes, that can cause open sores are especially risky; however, STDs that do not cause open sores also pose a threat. In addition, if someone with HIV is also infected with another STD, that person is more likely than other people who are infected with HIV to transmit the virus through sexual contact.