9 Myths around AIDS that everyone should know

Did you know India has the 3rd largest number of HIV-infected people worldwide?

With 2.1 million people living with HIV, the epidemic in India is largely driven by sexual transmission accounting for the emergence of 88,000 new cases and 69,000 AIDS-related deaths every year

Despite advancements in the management and increasing awareness of HIV, it is still seen as punishment in many Indian communities. There are lots of myths that exist around HIV/AIDS. Let's try to break Myths and call attention to Facts in this article

Myth 1: Having HIV means having AIDS…

Fact: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection lasts lifelong, the virus replicates inside the body, impairs immunity over time, and without treatment, may cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the last stages. An antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimen started immediately after diagnosis can prevent virus multiplication and ensure a normal life span for people with HIV, without ever translating into AIDS.

Myth 2: Is HIV a God’s Punishment or a death sentence?

Fact: HIV is a viral disease just like other diseases, it’s not a punishment. Don’t feel guilty, don’t delay treatment. Start ART early under medical supervision and follow preventive measures.

Myth 3: HIV affects only certain groups of people, I am straight, I will not get HIV...

Fact: HIV can affect anyone irrespective of sexual orientation, gender, economic status, or religion. Anyone who is sexually active or has multiple sexual partners can get HIV. However, in India, HIV is more common in homosexual men, sex workers, transgenders, people who inject drugs/share needles, and migrant workers/truck drivers who practised unprotective sex.

How do people get HIV?

The virus can enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person through contact with body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, anal fluid, breast milk, exudates from wound/skin) from an infected person. Transmission can be

Sexual through unprotected sex
Maternal: From an infected mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding
Needle/Instrument related: Sharing contaminated needles
Transfusion/Transplant related: (It is however rare now since the screening of blood/organ is done for HIV)

Myth 4: I can get HIV from sharing a room with or touching an infected person …

Fact: HIV can’t survive in air or water. You can not get HIV by

Touching or hugging someone with HIV
Sharing spaces, utensils, toilets, or swimming pools
Mosquito/Insect bites
Sweat, tears, cough/sneeze of an infected person

Myth 5: I can prevent HIV by showering after sex or taking a contraceptive pill…

Fact: HIV transmission can only be prevented by

Following safe sexual practices (using condoms)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Daily course of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is recommended for HIV-negative people at high risk (spouse of HIV positive, sex workers)
Never share needles/avoid drugs
Get a screening test to know your status
HIV positive pregnant mothers can take medicines to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby

Myth 6: I will know if I have HIV, I don’t need a test

Fact: Testing for HIV is the only way to know if you are infected. Most people don’t show any symptoms or have flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, and headache) which may last for a few days to a few weeks.

Myth 7: Sex is safe if both partners have HIV

Fact: There are two strains of the virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Partners can be affected by a different strain so there is a possibility of transmitting additional strains of the virus during unprotected sex. It is recommended to use condoms during every sexual encounter.

Myth 8: Antiretroviral drugs don’t work in all patients

Fact: ART effectively fights against HIV if started at the early stages. Drugs consumed rightly as advised by healthcare personnel and sticking to the regimen prevent drug resistance and works well.