New Delhi: The 1st of December is seen as World Aids Day which aims to spread awareness about this disease. HIV/ AIDS has many myths surrounding it; the worst being the discrimination faced by the ones suffering from it. A patient who is detected with HIV positive in his system, is immediately discarded by the society.
Though, authorities on every level are working to change this situation, globally it seems a long road before the disparity is dissolved. Taking a step in the same direction, we bring to you 5 facts which will bust the myths about HIV/AIDS. This is our small step to urge citizens to stop discriminating with the patients and try to understand the reality.
Myth: HIV/AIDS is a homosexual disease.
Reality: Anyone can be susceptible to HIV/AIDS, regardless of their sexual orientation. Everyone is at risk of getting HIV from blood-to-blood contact, sharing needles or unsafe sex. Worldwide, HIV is most often spread through heterosexual contact. In fact, about 16% of men and 78% of women become HIV-positive through heterosexual contact.
Myth: HIV/AIDS can be spread by being around people who are HIV-positive.
Reality: HIV is not spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva. One cannot catch HIV by breathing the same air as someone who is infected; by touching a toilet seat or doorknob handle after an HIV-positive person; by drinking from a water fountain, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV-positive. It is neither spread by sharing eating utensils with an HIV-positive person or using exercise equipment at a gym.
Myth: HIV/AIDS can be cured
Reality: To date, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS and there are no vaccines to prevent HIV infection. Antiretroviral drugs are improving and extending the lives of many people who are HIV-positive. However, many of these drugs are expensive and produce serious side effects. None yet provides a cure. Also, drug-resistant strains of HIV make treatment an increasing challenge. However, these drugs allow even those with AIDS -- to live much longer, normal, and productive lives.
Myth: A person being treated for AIDS can not spread the infection.
Reality: When HIV treatments work well, they can reduce the amount of virus in one's blood to a level so low that it doesn't show up in blood tests. Research shows that the virus is still "hiding" in other areas of the body. It is still essential to practice safe sex so you won't make someone else become HIV-positive.
Myth: If you are using birth control methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, spermicides, DepoProvera, Norplant, or the Pill, you cannot get HIV.
Reality: These birth control methods do not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as HIV. They only aim to prevent pregnancy. The surest way to prevent both pregnancy and an STD is through abstinence. One way people who are sexually active may prevent pregnancy and STD infection is to use a condom in combination with another form of birth control, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, spermicide, DepoProvera, Norplant, or the Pill.
