World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1st, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and honoring those who have lost their lives to the disease. It serves as an important reminder to educate the public and dispel common misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Despite significant progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and education, many myths about the virus continue to persist. In this blog, we’ll bust some of the most common myths and share key facts to help you better understand HIV and AIDS.
- Myth: HIV is the same as AIDS
Fact: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are related but not the same. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person is first diagnosed with HIV, they have the virus but not necessarily AIDS. If left untreated, HIV weakens the immune system over time, and the individual may eventually develop AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can live long, healthy lives without progressing to AIDS.
- Myth: You can get HIV from kissing
Fact: HIV is not spread through casual contact, including kissing. The virus is primarily spread by the interchange of bodily fluids, including blood, sperm, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. For transmission to occur through kissing, there would need to be open sores or bleeding gums, and even then, the risk is extremely low. It’s important to know that HIV cannot be transmitted by hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or drinks.
- Myth: HIV only affects certain group of people
Fact: HIV does not discriminate. While certain groups may be at higher risk, anyone can contract HIV. The virus is spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It’s extremely important to understand that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of gender or lifestyle.
- Myth: If someone looks healthy, they don’t have HIV
Fact: Many people living with HIV may appear healthy and not show any symptoms for years. This is why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you have risk factors. With the help of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to maintain a high quality of life without visible symptoms.
- Myth: HIV can be cured with the right treatment
Fact: There is currently no cure for HIV. However, with proper medical treatment, individuals can manage the virus and live a long, healthy life. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that prevents the virus from multiplying and helps the immune system remain strong. While ART doesn’t cure HIV, it effectively controls it, allowing people with the virus to live without developing AIDS.
- Myth: HIV can be contracted through a mosquito bite
Fact: HIV is not transmitted through insect bites. The virus cannot survive in the saliva of mosquitoes or other insects, and there is no risk of transmission from mosquito or insect bites. HIV is only spread through specific body fluids, as mentioned earlier, and cannot be passed through everyday interactions with insects.
- Myth: People with HIV will always die young
Fact: With advances in HIV treatment, people living with HIV can live to a normal life expectancy. Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the health outcomes for those with HIV, and many people with the virus live into their 70s or beyond. As long as they adhere to their treatment regimen, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and monitor their health, individuals living with HIV can lead long, fulfilling lives.
- Myth: HIV is only transmitted through sexual contact
You can only get HIV through sexual contact.
Fact: While unprotected intercourse is one of the most common methods to transfer HIV, it is not the only one. HIV can also be transmitted through sharing needles, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and through contaminated blood products (though this is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening processes). It’s essential to understand all the routes of transmission to prevent the spread of HIV.
- Myth: HIV-positive individuals can’t have children
Fact: People with HIV can have children, but they need to take precautions to prevent transmitting the virus to their partner or child. With the right medical care, such as ART and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the risk of transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding can be minimized to very low levels. HIV-positive women can give birth to healthy, HIV-negative babies when appropriate medical care is followed.
- Myth: If an individual is on treatment, HIV can’t be spread
Fact: While effective treatment can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels (meaning it cannot be transmitted sexually), this doesn’t mean HIV is completely gone. The person must continue their treatment to maintain an undetectable viral load. It’s crucial to follow medical advice, take medications as prescribed, and have regular checkups to ensure the virus remains undetectable.
Conclusion
As we observe World AIDS Day 2024, it’s vital to continue to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS. By educating ourselves and others, we can reduce stigma, encourage testing, and improve the lives of those affected by HIV around the world. Let’s work together to spread knowledge, support the fight against HIV, and promote a world free from AIDS
