Myths About HIV

Here we’ll discuss a few myths that must be debunked.

HIV and AIDS are the same thing.

No! HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body's immune system. While AIDS is a medical disorder that occurs after the immune system is severely damaged - a more advanced stage than HIV.

I’ll die if I get HIV.

False. Thanks to medical advances and research on the disease, if you adhere to your treatment and take care of your body, you can live a long and full life even with HIV.

You tell just from looking at someone that they have HIV.

False! There are many people who have the disease but don’t feel or look sick. Some don’t even have symptoms. Many times, the only way to know if you have HIV is by going to your doctor or clinic to get tested.

The disease can be transmitted through breastmilk.

True. A mother can infect her baby with HIV during childbirth or through breastfeeding.

If I’m over 50 years old, I can’t get the virus.

False! There is no set age to contract the disease. This is why it’s important to know how to prevent and treat HIV.

If I don’t have sex, I can't get HIV.

This is a myth. The virus can be contracted by sharing needles or syringes, or by having an open wound that comes in direct contact with HIV infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions.

I can get it from mosquito bites, tears, sweat, or swimming pools.

False! HIV is only transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

Now you know more about this disease! Understanding HIV and knowing all about it, in addition to taking care of ourselves to prevent getting infected, helps us to be kinder to people who suffer from it. Who knows? Maybe you can even help someone who is infected by educating others about these myths and misconceptions. 💗