How to Overcome HIV Bias
According to the American Foundation for AIDS Research, a person can't get HIV through everyday contact and activities such as sharing food, utensils, or hugging someone with is infected with HIV. Yet there are some people who fear they may get HIV from an infected person through handshakes or sharing household objects with them. In addition, some people have a social bias against HIV-infected individuals and as a result, they may shun them.Instructions
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Research and inform yourself about HIV. Visit the Center for Disease Control's website and read articles that pertain to HIV and how it is transmitted. Visit your state's health department website and search information titled "HIV Facts", "AIDS Prevention" or "AIDS Facts and Myths." Go to your local community's free clinic and pick up some brochures that give detailed information on HIV and AIDS.
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Volunteer at community events about HIV prevention. While there, talk with those who are HIV-positive and ask them about their daily lives. Ask them about the bias they encounter from others because of HIV and what they wish people knew about HIV. However, don't let HIV be the main focus of the conversation. Instead, treat them as if they were your good friends and share your life story and personal interests with them. Also get phone numbers if possible so you can start new friendships and overcome your bias.
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Assist those in your family and neighborhood who have HIV. If your brother is HIV-positive and isn't feeling well one day, stop by his house and offer to clean a few rooms and purchase groceries for him. Or if your good friend is struggling to find work after a job loss and you're a business owner, hire her to work for you so she can build a stable financial future for herself.
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