Addressing Common Misconceptions About HIV

To effective combat HIV discrimination, we, as humans, must start understanding what HIV is and what it is not. Humans naturally fear the unknown. Accurate knowledge about the virus will help tackle the misconceptions of HIV head on, along with the discrimination.

Contrary to popular belief, HIV is not spread by normal everyday interactions with people living with the virus. These interactions include crying, coughing, and sneezing. So fear not about giving a POZ (a person who has received a positive test for the HIV virus, also known as People Living with HIV or PLHIV) a handshake or a hug; they need it just as much as anyone else!

It is also not possible to contract HIV from water contact at public pools or baths. Same goes for contact from food or beverages. Sharing utensils, household appliances, and furniture with people living with HIV is perfectly safe.

Unless blood is present, you cannot be infected by the virus through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, sweat, stool, or nasal secretions. Though a small concentration of HIV may be present in tears, urine, and saliva, one cannot get HIV through contact with these fluid. The same goes for mosquitoes and insect bites.

Despite the recent medical breakthroughs and prescription drugs available to treat AIDS, it still does not mean that HIV is now under control. Drug-resistant strains of HIV are rife in many communities around the world, and there is yet to be a wonder drug that can kill all known strains of the virus.

Some HIV positive people believe they can't spread the virus because they are receiving medical treatment. This is untrue. With or without medical care, people living with HIV must take utmost care and safety measures to ensure they do not pass on the virus to those around them.

HIV affects everyone young and old, gay and straight, men and women. Just because you are heterosexual, or do not use IV drugs, does not mean you can't contract the HIV virus. No one is immune. If you are sexually active, make sure you incorporate tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted disease as part of your regular check-ups.

By advocating truths and preventing misinformation, we can go a long way towards a world that is more tolerant and knowledgeable about AIDS.

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