Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

True or False: Viral STIs are easily cured if one seeks medical care.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if treated early

4. Not relevant

The correct answer is: False

The statement is false because viral STIs, such as HIV, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C, are typically not curable with current medical interventions. While there are effective treatments available that can manage symptoms and help reduce viral load, these infections tend to persist in the body for life. For instance, with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help individuals live longer, healthier lives and reduce the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate the virus from the body. Similarly, outbreaks of herpes can be managed with antiviral medications, yet the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate. Vaccines exist for some viral STIs, like HPV and hepatitis B, but these vaccines do not cure someone who is already infected. In contrast, bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can often be cured with proper antibiotics. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the distinction between viral and bacterial infections when considering treatment options.