Debunking 7 Myths Related to HIV AIDS

Casual contact spreads HIV.

HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing a toilet seat, or swimming in a pool with someone who has HIV.

Mosquitoes and bugs spread HIV.

Insects like mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV. The virus is not present in their saliva.

Kissing spreads HIV.

Kissing on the cheek or lips is not a risk factor for HIV transmission. Saliva contains very low levels of HIV, and the amount isn`t enough to cause infection.

You can get HIV from food or water.

HIV is not transmitted through food or water prepared and handled safely. The virus cannot survive in food or water at normal temperatures.

Sharing a single needle transmits HIV.

The risk of HIV transmission from a single accidental needle stick is very low, especially if the needle is not visibly contaminated with blood.

Undetectable HIV can be transmitted.

With effective treatment, HIV can become undetectable in a person`s blood. This means the amount of virus is too low to be spread through sex.

HIV is a death sentence.

HIV is a manageable chronic illness with effective treatments available. People with HIV who receive proper care can live long and healthy lives.