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Myths & Facts About AIDS

There are many myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, and these contribute to a general misunderstanding of the virus. These misunderstandings can lead to undo prejudice against HIV-positive people, as well as not knowing how best to protect yourself and others.

  1. Myth: HIV is Transmitted Casually

    • Some believe that it is possible to contract HIV from casual contact (hugging, kissing), by sharing a drinking glass with someone, or by using the same bathing or toilet facilities.

    Fact: Routes of Transmission

    • HIV is transmitted only when the virus can cross the blood barrier in sufficient amounts to trigger an infection. Primary routes of transmission include unprotected sex, sharing hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding; in the case of kissing, there would have to be an infected bodily fluid present (HIV is not transmitted through saliva), and the HIV-negative person would have to have an open scrape or sore in her mouth to contract the virus.

    Myth: Condoms Increase Risk of Transmission

    • Some people believe that, instead of protecting you from HIV infection, the use of condoms actually contributes to the epidemic.

    Fact: Condoms are an Effective Barrier

    • This myth is perpetuated to control morality, not to present people with factual health information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the correct and consistent use of polyurethane and latex condoms significantly lowers the risk of HIV transmission.

    Myth: Drugs Have Cured HIV

    • There is a growing belief that the use of antiretroviral drugs has either cured HIV or made it so insignificant as to no longer be a concern.

    Fact: There is Treatment, But No Cure

    • There is no cure for HIV, and it remains a significant diagnosis. Although the use of antiretroviral drugs has improved quality of life for HIV-positive people and extended the amount of time they can live without symptoms, the medications are expensive, involve complicated regimens and can cause serious side effects. And many people experience viral resistance to the medications, which can interfere with the drugs' ability to keep HIV levels in check, leading to further complications.

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