Debunking six myths about HIV

There is a lot of stigma and misinformation about HIV, and many widely believed “facts” are incorrect. Here’s what caresource.org has to say about HIV transmission, life with HIV, and prevention. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Myth: You can get HIV from Casual Contact from Someone or merely by Touching them: HIV is not spread by hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, using same gym equipment, sharing a toilet seat, or casual contact. Transmission requires contact with specific bodily fluids like infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk, none of which happen from everyday social contact. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

HIV is a Death Sentence: It’s a common belief that HIV automatically leads to death. But thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives, often comparable to those without HIV. With early detection and proper treatment, HIV doesn’t have to develop into AIDS. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

You can tell an HIV Positive Person just by Looking at Them: Many people wrongly assume that signs of illness or appearance reveal HIV status. In reality, someone with HIV may show no visible symptoms for years. You cannot determine HIV status by appearance, only a proper test can confirm it. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Mosquito or Insect Bites can cause HIV Transmission: Contrary to some fears, HIV cannot be spread through mosquito bites or insect stings. Mosquitoes don’t inject another person’s blood into you and HIV cannot survive or reproduce inside insects. So insect bites pose no risk of transmission. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

People with HIV can't Safely have Children: Due to improved treatment and preventive medicine, individuals living with HIV can have children with minimal risk of transmission. If a mother takes her HIV medication as prescribed during pregnancy and birth, and follows medical advice, the chance of passing HIV to the baby can be very low. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) means you don’t need Condoms: While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection when taken correctly, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancies. Condoms and safer sex practices remain important even if using PrEP. (Source: Photo by unsplash)