Myths and Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS 

HIV/AIDS does not have boundaries. It strikes both the poor and the rich; the young and the old; the literate and the illiterate and; children and adults.

Over the last few decades, false information, myths, and misconceptions have been articulated about HIV/AIDS.

Until recently, I believed some of these myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS to be true. Some of these false pieces of information are advanced by people who know so little about HIV/AIDs.

In my primary education, I was indifferent between trusting the lessons from schools and the stories I got at home about HIV/AIDS.

In school, teachers always talked to us about the HIV/AIDS, telling us about its acquisition, causes, and the signs and syndromes. I found the information in school more interesting and essential for my life.

While at home, the information changed drastically. My grandmother told me different stories about HIV/AIDS. The information I received at home and the ones from school was quite different.

But I had to listen to both of them, either way. I had to make a decision after listening to the teachers and the stories from my grandmother.

HIV/AIDS has received many myths and misconception all over the world. Even today, there are myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.

These myths and misconceptions usually come to take the form of the course, the spread, the effect, and the preventive measures of HIV/AIDS.

After a long wait, I made a decision to visit a HIV/AIDS testing near me and received a voluntary counseling and testing at the facility.

You can also visit one of these HIV/AIDS testing centers today and know your status!

The effect of the myths is the continuous spread of the virus and increased loss of life.

Also, the myths and misconceptions create unnecessary fear and tension. Sometimes, myths and misconceptions lead to breakage of love relationships or marriages. You should go for HIV testing before jumping into conclusions.

Children and their parents cease to live in harmony for fear of contracting HIV/AID based on the myths and misconceptions.

what are the myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS?

      1. Breathing the same air causes HIV/AIDS

This is a myth that has been widely spread. Some people believe that breathing the same air with people who have HIV/AIDS causes HIV infection. The HIV/AIDS is not an airborne disease. The virus does not survive in the air.

Also, the virus cannot be transferred from one person to the other through sharing the same environment.

       2. HIV/AIDS is genocide

Genocides are caused by governments or people in high authority. The HIV virus does not come as a result of the actions of the government or the people in authority. It is not a way through which the government controls her population or eliminates people who are opposed to it.

      3. Mosquito spread HIV/AIDS

The HIV virus only survives in the human blood. It does not survive in the blood of any other animal.

Mosquito bites do not transfer the virus from one person to another. You shouldn’t fear to share a bed or sleeping next to an infected person because mosquitoes do not transfer the virus.

       4.HIV/AIDS is a curse

HIV/AIDS is not a curse from God. HIV is a virus that causes AIDS, often through sexual intercourse.

HIV/AIDS does not have preferences for the righteous people. Both the righteous and the sinful have equal opportunities of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Also, the HIV virus is not limited to a particular group of people or community. The virus can infect anyone.

 

       5. Gays and Lesbian do not contract HIV virus

 

This is a myth that has made people become lesbians and gays. Some people believe that only straight people can get HIV/AIDS.

HIV virus can be transferred between people of the same sex whenever they are involved in sexual intercourse.

Anal sex equally spreads the HIV virus from one person to another.

 

      6.Hugging or shaking hands causes HIV/AIDS

There are some human activities that do not cause or spread HIV/AIDS.

You should not shy away from hugging or shaking hands with a person infected with HIV virus for fear of contracting the virus.

You shouldn’t mistreat your friends or relatives because they have the HIV virus. Taking care of them increases their faith and makes them stronger each day.

 

      7. People who are under HIV medication cannot spread HIV/AIDS

Anyone who has been infected by the HIV virus can spread HIV/AIDS.

The antiretroviral drugs that people take do not stop them from spreading the virus. Also, the antiretroviral drugs do not kill or eliminate the virus. The drugs help in the suppression of the virus and the viral load.

Because you are under drugs does not stop you from spreading the virus. Always use a protection during sexual intercourse.

You also need to avoid any activities that could lead to the spread of the virus.

       8.People with HIV/AIDS are as good as dead

HIV/AIDS infection does not mean the end of the world. People who have the HIV virus stand equal chances of survival as any other person.

You should seek HIV/AIDS testing to know your status so that you plan your life well.Antiretroviral drugs help to suppress the virus and make them less active, creating an opportunity for an infected person to continue with his or her life.

You minimize your chances of survival by refusing to go for HIV/AIDS testing and failing to use the drugs appropriately and consistently.

       9.HIV/AIDS infected couples do not have to use condoms or any other form of protection

Every infected person should use protection during sex.

Couples who have the HIV virus equally need to use protection during sexual intercourse. Having protected sex limits the chance of the viruses becoming active.

In cases where the couples plan for a conception, they would be at liberty to have unprotected sex some for some time.

Unprotected sex, however, should not be encouraged for couples who have the HIV virus in their bodies.

      10.Sharing eating utensils

HIV virus lives in the blood. It does not exist in the air or any other physical items.

Sharing utensils or food with a person who has the HIV virus does not transfer the virus from one person to the other.

As long as there is no blood contact with an infected person, the chances of getting the HIV virus remains zero.

HIV/AIDS patients get stigmatized whenever they are left alone lonely. Sharing meals and other items with them makes them confident and strong.

 

 

Contributor: admin