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10 Myths About HIV and AIDS and the Facts Behind Them

HIV and AIDS have been part of our world for decades. More than 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV. In the U.S. alone, about 1.2 million people have HIV and of these people, close to 1 in 8 don’t know they have it.

While there have been advancements in treatment, myths about them are still everywhere. You might have heard things like “Only certain people are at risk,” “You can catch HIV from a handshake” or “HIV and AIDS are pretty much the same thing.” 

These misunderstandings spread fear and create barriers to testing, treatment and support. 

With the help of Ronald Quenzer, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Banner Health, we debunk 10 common myths about HIV and AIDS.

Myth 1: HIV and AIDS are the same thing

The truth: HIV and AIDS are not the same. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the final stage of HIV infection. 

“With proper treatment, many people with HIV can live long, healthy lives without ever developing AIDS,” Dr. Quenzer said. 

Myth 2: Only certain groups of people get HIV

The truth: Anyone in any sexual relationship can contract HIV. It does not discriminate. 

“HIV is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from a person who has HIV,” Dr. Quenzer said. “These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk.”

It can spread from unprotected sex, by sharing needles or syringes, from a pregnant person to a baby or very rarely from blood transfusions.

Myth 3: You can get HIV from casual contact

The truth: HIV is not spread through casual interactions like hugging, shaking hands, kissing, breathing the same air or sharing utensils. It can only spread through body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk  —not saliva, sweat or tears. 

In addition, HIV can’t be transmitted by mosquitoes or insect stings. They don’t carry the virus, so there is no risk of getting HIV from bug bites or stings.

Myth 4: HIV is a death sentence

The truth: Thanks to advances in medicine, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the viral load (amount of HIV) in the blood. ART helps stop the virus from replicating and keeps it under control. 

“Even though HIV may still be present in the body (for example, in lymphocyte cells), it is not actively causing infection as long as the person is on effective medications,” Dr. Quenzer said. “If taken correctly, medication decreases the chance of transmitting HIV to others.”

Myth 5: Birth control protects against HIV

The truth: Most forms of contraception will not protect against HIV. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can help prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms properly is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Myth 6: You can tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them 

The truth: You can’t tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them. HIV often has no symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure is through testing. 

“Testing is so important, especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or shared needles,” Dr. Quenzer said. 

There is no shame in receiving regular testing. It can help prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs. Talk to your health care provider or visit a local community clinic to ask about testing.

Myth 7: There’s no way to prevent HIV

The truth: Along with proper condom use, there is a pill that can decrease your risk of getting infected with HIV. 

“We have very effective PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medications to prevent the spread of HIV from an infected partner to non-infected partners through sexual activity,” Dr. Quenzer said.

PrEP, along with safe sex practices, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99%. For those who share needles, it reduces the risk by 74%. However, less than 30% of people at risk take the PrEP pills. 

“There is a stigma that people who use PrEP are somehow promiscuous or reckless, which is unfortunate,” Dr. Quenzer said. “We are also seeing more people who are not on PrEP have unprotected sex.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other advocacy groups are working to change perceptions of PrEP medication and increase awareness about safe sex practices. 

For more information about PrEP, talk to your provider or visit preplocator.org to locate a knowledgeable provider in your area. 

Myth 8: Home remedies or alternative treatments can cure HIV

The truth: There is currently no cure for HIV. Treatments like ART can manage the virus and help people stay healthy, but they don’t eliminate it. Stick to medically proven treatments. Delaying proper treatment can be dangerous. 

Myth 9: HIV-positive people can’t or shouldn’t have children

The truth: “Yes, HIV-infected pregnant people who are not effectively treated can pass HIV to their child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding,” Dr. Quenzer said. “But, if the pregnant person is properly treated with ART during pregnancy and childbirth, passing HIV on to the baby can almost always be prevented.”

Males or people assigned male at birth (AMAB) who have HIV and are looking to conceive can reduce transmission with ART medication. When taken effectively, medication can lower the risk of transmission to almost zero if the viral load is undetectable. 

Myth 10: If a couple has HIV, they don’t need protection

The truth: Even if both partners are living with HIV, protection is still important. There are different strains of the virus and reinfection with another strain can complicate treatment. This is why it’s important to use protection during sex. 

Takeaway

HIV and AIDS can seem scary when you don't know the facts. Myths cause unnecessary fear and prevent people from getting tested or treated. While the number of HIV cases has stabilized, there are still new cases every year, especially among vulnerable populations – like women of color and men who have sex with men. 

By understanding the truth, you can protect yourself and help reduce the stigma for others. If you’re unsure of your risk or have questions, speak with your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. They can provide guidance on testing or more information.

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