HIV 1 vs HIV 2: What is the Difference Between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
by Ben Published on February 21, 2020 Updated on August 9, 2020
The human immunodeficiency virus (far more commonly known as "HIV") is a virus that attacks and destroys a person's T cells making their immune system highly susceptible to illness and infections. If left untreated for an extended duration, this virus can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While there is still no cure for HIV or AIDS, the disease is highly treatable thanks to groundbreaking advances in medicine over the past several decades. In fact, many who contract the disease today go onto live long, happy lives. And from a social perspective, the stigma surrounding the virus has also largely subsided since its discovery in the 1980s.
What Are HIV-1 and HIV-2?
HIV can be one of two types: HIV-1 or HIV-2 although HIV-1 is far more common throughout the world and especially in the United States where it accounts for 99.99 percent of all HIV diagnoses. Worldwide, that percentage is still an overwhelming 95 percent. HIV-2 is most prominent in West Africa with a relatively small number of cases in India and only sporadic instances in a handful of other locations. So chances are likely that if you hear about HIV in the media or through conversation, you're hearing about HIV-1 and not the much rarer HIV-2.
What Is The Difference Between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
While both types of HIV essentially have similar effects on the immune system, HIV-1 and HIV-2 are actually quite different. In terms of genetic characteristics, HIV-1 and HIV-2 are only about 55 percent identical to one another. Such being the case, treatment options differ greatly depending on which type of HIV a patient has.
One reason HIV-1 rates are so much higher is that HIV-1 is a far more viral strand; much easier to pass and much easier to contract than HIV-2. It develops quicker and has a higher likelihood of worsening. Progression is much slower in HIV-2 and most who carry that virus will never pass it along to another person.
Those with HIV-2 tend to have a much lower "viral load" which refers to the amount of virus in their blood. This is also how doctors recognize that a treatment–for HIV-1 or 2–is working or if additional measures should be taken.
Both types of HIV are transmitted by the transfer of bodily fluids such as blood, breastmilk, or sexual fluids. Commonly, these types of transfers occur through unprotected sex or through sharing needles, though the risk of contracting the disease decreases (but does eliminate entirely) if HIV medications are being taken properly. It is impossible to contract the disease from casual contact like a hug or handshake and, despite rumors, you cannot catch the virus from a toilet seat, drinking fountain, or any number of other everyday items or occurrences.
It's always best to practice safe sex with your partners and to encourage openness and honesty when it comes to each other's sexual health. While manageable, HIV is still a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease and can be dangerous if not treated properly and early on. When it comes to stopping the spread of HIV, it's always a good idea to get tested and encourage your partners to do the same.
Medically reviewed by Hilary Davidson, Medical Writer
Reviewed on August 21, 2021
Find a Lab And
Ben graduated from Tulane University of Louisiana in 2016 with a degree in Digital Communications. His background includes marketing, content development, social media, and agency outreach. Ben Joined the Priority STD team in 2018 as a content strategist and writer, helping to provide useful and relevant information for our patients. His interest in sexual health began shortly after a family member contracted HIV, which resulted in a vast education about infectious diseases. Living with an incurable disease is a lifechanging event, and he strives to use his experiences to help others in similar situations.
Is Scabies an STD?
Is scabies an STD? In short, no. This contagious skin condition is most commonly passed through non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. However, it can...
Can Any Doctor's Office Test for STDs?
Medical clinics and doctor's offices can test for some STDs but most don't routinely do these tests. The reason why has to...
Are All STDs Curable?
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease is certainly no one's idea of a good time. Though untreated STDs can linger and cause lasting...
Will The Pill Protect Me From STDs?
Does birth control prevent STDs? While the birth control pill is a popular and highly effective form of pregnancy prevention, the notion...
A recent report by New York City's Department of Health and Hygiene revealed that STDs are on the rise in New York City. The study goes on to state that the most common infections in the New York City region include Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
STD Testing in New York City
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall rate of STIs in Austin have increased by 34% from 2014 to 2018 with significant increases in cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and congenial syphilis.
STD Testing in Austin
San Francisco's Department of Public Health found that STDs are on the rise in the city. One study in particular revealed that cases of syphilis in women increased 144% between 2017 and 2018. On a wider scale, cases of chlamydia in San Francisco increased by 79 percent between 2013 and 2017.
STD Testing in San Francisco
According to a recent study by the Southern Nevada Health District, Clark County has the highest syphilis rates in the entire nation. Clark County saw 24 cases of syphilis per 100,000 people as well as more than 76 cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births.
STD Testing in Las Vegas
A recent report by the Chicago Department of Public Health reveals that Chicagoans are twice as likely to have chlamydia and nearly three times more likely to have gonorrhea than U.S. residents elsewhere. The chlamydia rate in Chicago, for example, was more than twice the national incidence average (1,012 per 100,000 compared to 308 per 100,000).
STD Testing in Chicago
Purchase your STD lab order privately online or over the phone. The process is simple, quick, and secure. Our care counselors are available to answer any questions you may have or help schedule STD testing.
Select a Test
Get tested same day at any of our 4,000 private locations, no appointment is needed after ordering. Our collection facilities are discreet, professional, and value your privacy. No other patients will know the reason for your visit.
STD test results are processed typically just 24-72 hours after collection. You can access your results online through a secure patient login, or by calling one of our care counselors. Treatment options are available as well.