(Hiv or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, still a topic that oftenly surrounded by myths and facts. It’s crucial to eradicate myths and understand the facts to promote efficient and effective knowledge and reduce stigma. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths and promote simple, clear, facts for a better understanding.
HIV Myths and Facts
Myth 1: Can be transmitted through touch.
Fact: It is not spread through everyday interactions like hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils high-fiving, and similar types of physical contact will not transmit the virus.. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding high-fiving, and similar types of physical contact will not transmit the virus.
These are some of the following fluids when in contact with a person leads to transmission.
- blood
- semen
- breast milk
- pre-ejaculate
- rectal fluids
- vaginal fluids
Myth 2: You can get it from mosquito or insect bites.
Fact: Mosquitoes do not transmit it. The virus cannot survive or reproduce in insects, because mosquitos genetic make up is different from human DNA. It’s a blood borne virus that requires direct blood-to-blood contact for transmission, insects do not reinject blood into a new person. This means they cannot transmit it.
Myth 3: Its a death sentence.
Fact: With advancements in medical sciences, It is no longer a death penalty. Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) help manage the virus, allowing individuals to live longer and healthy lives. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Myth 4: You can notice if someone has it by their physical health.
Fact: It does not have a specific appearance, people with the virus may appear perfectly well. The only way to determine if someone has HIV is through differential diagnosis & testing. Never come to any conclusion based on individual appearances.
Myth 5: It affects only specific groups of people.
Fact: Anyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexual discrimination, or ethnicity can catch virus. So its essential for everyone to be aware of prevention methods and get tested on regular intervals, especially if they have high-risk behaviors.
Myth 6: Couples with HIV don’t need to protect themselves.
Fact: If two people in a couple have different strains of virus, they can transmit these to each other which is generally called super infection. Correct and consistent use of condoms is highly effective in preventing the transmission of virus during sexual intercourse. Even if there is no risk of transmitting it, some other Sexually Transmitted Diseases can spread through having sex without a condom or other barrier method.
Myth 7: You can’t have a healthy relationship with your partner who has the virus.
Fact: With proper medical interventions and precautions, individuals with virus can have healthy relations without transmitting the virus to their partners or children. Proper follow up , testing, and adherence to treatment are key.
Myth 8: No way to catch virus through needles.
Fact: There is a possibility that this virus can survive in used needles for up to 42 days. Readily dispose of used needles to prevent any complications. Clients always confirm the needle that is gonna be used on him/her should be packed before use.
Myth 9: It can spread through blood transfusions.
Fact: Healthcare professionals in the United States and many other countries perform testing on blood samples for various blood-related infections, including HIV. Blood banks that are available for transfusion do not contain HIV. Viruses can’t be spread through organ and tissue donations, as they undergo testing before transfused to patients. During the early stages of HIV spread, healthcare professionals didn’t testify to the individual’s blood samples, so as a result HIV spread through this way in large numbers. Nowadays strict testing has been applied to blood transfusions.
If any individual has any query regarding organ and blood transplant they can freely speak to health care professionals.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about HIV is crucial for promoting a supportive and informed society. By debunking myths about HIV and AIDS, more people can seek diagnosis and treatment early and lead long, healthy lives. Arm yourself with accurate information and help break down the barriers surrounding HIV.
Certain effective treatments are available to help prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS. Anyone with a slight possibility that they may have HIV or somehow exposed to the virus can speak with a healthcare professional about prevention methods and testing.
FAQs
Q1: Do symptoms correctly diagnose HIV/AIDS virus?
Answer: You can have HIV virus that leads to AIDS and not know it. The only way to know if you are infected or not is to get an HIV test as soon as possible to rule out any complications.
Q2: Is HIV/AIDS treated on its own?
Unfortunately there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are certain treatment options Antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can slow down the progression of HIV significantly and increase the span of life for HIV/AIDS patients.