Debunking Common Myths about HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an ongoing epidemic that has impacted many worldwide. As a result, there is a lot of misinformation and myths regarding HIV that have spread over decades. See below common myths about HIV/AIDS. This blog aims to shed light on the true facts about HIV in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. Our goal is to break down complex health information into accessible knowledge. Let's get started on debunking these myths and spreading the truth about HIV.

Myth 1: HIV is a death sentence. 

This myth started during the early years of the HIV epidemic, when there were rarely any treatment options available and death rates were high.  Over the course of years treatment options significantly increased creating healthier outcomes for individuals living with HIV. It's important to know that today, with the right treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, normal lives.

Myth 2: HIV can be transmitted through casual contact.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and is transmitted through exposure to bodily fluids through sexual contact, needle sharing, or mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. These fluids are blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.   It is important to understand that HIV is not spread through casual contact. This means you cannot get HIV by touching, hugging, or sharing things like food or drinks with someone who has the virus.

Myth 3: Only certain groups get HIV. 

It's a widespread misunderstanding that HIV only affects certain groups of people. HIV does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and genders. An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States had HIV at the end of 2021, the most recent year for which this information is available.

Myth 4: You can tell if someone has HIV by looking at them.

There are no visible signs that can confirm if someone is living with HIV. Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. By getting tested, you can take charge of your health and make the best decisions to prevent or treat HIV. Remember, anyone can contract HIV, so it is important to get tested and know your status.

Myth 5: HIV and AIDS are the same thing.

It's often thought that HIV and AIDS mean the same thing, but they don't. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and if HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) which is the late stage of HIV. Most people with HIV do not develop AIDS if medication is taken as prescribed.

Myth 6: HIV can be cured. 

As of now, there is no cure for HIV but with the increase of antiretroviral therapy (ART) options and if taken effectively it decreases the chance of transmitting HIV to others. Although there is not a cure for HIV at this time, with the right treatment and medical care, people with HIV can live long healthy lives.

Together, we can break the cycle of myths and stigma and work collectively towards ending the HIV epidemic.

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html  

https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids/