World AIDS Day: December 1st — Debunking 7 lingering myths about HIV/AIDS

December 1^st is World AIDS Day…a day dedicated to increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

With over 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, this disease is one that affects the lives of many families. Advancements in medications, detection, and screening now allow those infected with the HIV virus to live longer than ever before.

Despite the increase in awareness, this disease still has many myths and misconceptions associated with it. In honor of all those living with HIV, let’s take a few minutes to debunk “the seven most common myths” associated with HIV/AIDS.

Myth #1: HIV/AIDS is a homosexual disease.

HIV is a virus; it does not ask your sexual orientation before it infects. It is an “equal opportunity” virus that is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood and body fluids. Accidental needle pricks, IV drug use, maternal to baby transference, contaminated blood products, body piercing, tattoos, heterosexual sex, and homosexual sex are all ways the disease can be transferred.

Myth #2: You can get HIV/AIDS by touching, hugging, or kissing an infected person.

You cannot get HIV by shaking hands, kissing someone on the cheek, giving someone a hug, or holding hands. You cannot get HIV from everyday contact with toilet seats, eating utensils, door handles, exercise equipment or mosquito bites.

Myth # 3: HIV/AIDS can only be transferred by contact with infected blood.

The HIV virus can reach high enough concentrations in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk to allow transfer of the virus, if someone comes into contact with these contaminated secretions. Tears and sweat have not been shown to be transmitting fluids.

Myth #4: HIV and AIDS mean the same thing.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Current anti-viral medications can control HIV within the body and prevent progressive immune system failure. Many have tested HIV positive for years without any signs of AIDS.

Myth #5: You can tell when someone has HIV/AIDS.

Someone with untreated HIV/AIDS can have the virus for over 10 years with minimal to no symptoms during that time. Despite their lack of symptoms they are still capable of transferring the virus to others.  The only way to know if someone has HIV/AIDS is to be tested.

Myth #6: There is a cure for HIV/AIDS, just look at Magic Johnson.

There is still not cure for HIV, but with proper medical management the rate of progression to AIDS can be halted. Magic Johnson is not HIV-free; rather he has been living with HIV for over 20 years without advancement to AIDS.

Myth #7: I’m safe because I’m married.

Unless you and your partner were both tested prior to getting married, and have not had any new opportunities for exposure, you are still at risk.  The best way to determine your HIV status is to be tested. A simple blood test can be done at your doctor’s office for both you and your spouse.

You can learn more about HIV/AIDS at:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-aids/what-is-hiv-aids/

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/index.htm

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the author of Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. You can find her online at www.drdaltonsmith.com and www.setfreetolivefreebook.com.