5 common misconceptions that people have about HIV/AIDS
HIV and AIDS are probably two of the most major health concerns all over the world. Since its origin, it has come a long way and turned into a manageable disease from being considered as the most dreaded and unknown quotient. Despite the awareness that is being created among people about AIDS or HIV medication and treatment, there are various misconceptions present. Take a quick look at some of them here:
- Oral sex poses no threat of HIV transmission
Though the risk level is quite low, oral sex isn’t safe from the point of view of HIV transmission. Rather, the presence of cuts and abrasions in the mouth or the genitals or a direct contact with semen increases the risk of having HIV.
- Having HIV means having AIDS
A person who is diagnosed with the HIV doesn’t necessarily have AIDS. Rather once HIV is diagnosed and if the person opts for early treatments and HIV medication, preventing AIDS becomes possible. However, to the majority of the people in the world, even now, HIV means AIDS.
- HIV/AIDS can spread through insects
One can’t contract HIV through an insect bite such as mosquito bites. This virus cannot survive in the body of an insect and doesn’t reproduce. It can only spread through coming in contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
- Infected with HIV/AIDS equals to a death penalty
Once upon a time, HIV/AIDS was difficult to treat. But with medical science reaching new heights, treating syndromes like AIDS and controlling viruses like HIV has even become possible with the right HIV medication. This chronic illness is no longer a death sentence but is manageable.
- HIV/AIDS signs are easy to identify
HIV or AIDS do have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches etc. But without noticing such symptoms or having a blood test, it is never possible to tell by looking at someone that the person is HIV-infected.
Though the condition has become highly manageable with effective HIV medication, lack of awareness contributes to misconceptions and stigmatizing the patients. This scenario must change our society for the betterment of everyone.
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