You are right there are two types of HIV; HIV 1 and HIV 2. Both these types are transmitted in exactly the same ways, which means prevention methods are the same. HIV 1 is the more dominant one and accounts for majority of infections worldwide. HIV 2 is less prevalent and is endemic in some parts of the world. Since there are distinct genetic differences between the two types, treatment protocols could differ. It is recommended to reach out to your health care provider for a consultation. If you just found out that you are HIV positive, here is a link to an answer from an earlier post.
There is a possibility of people becoming infected with both the types, so people living with HIV should practice safer sex to avoid the other type and other STBBIs.
Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. The standard HIV blood test available in Canada is a fourth generation combination testing (HIV Antibody/Antigen Combination test) and tests for both types – HIV 1 and HIV 2.
Hope this clarifies your question.
