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AIDS Myth & MisunderstandingWhy are there so many AIDS myths? When AIDS first became known, it was a very mysterious disease. It caused the death of many people. There are still many unanswered questions about the disease. Many people reacted with fear and came up with stories to back up their fear. Most of these had to do with how easy it was to become infected with HIV. Most of these are not true. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transmission Myths Many people believed that HIV and AIDS could be transmitted by a mosquito bite, by sharing a drinking glass with someone with AIDS, by being around someone with AIDS who was coughing, by hugging or kissing someone with AIDS, and so on. Transmission can only occur if someone is exposed to blood, semen, vaginal fluid or mother’s milk from an infected person. There is no documentation of transmission from the tears or saliva of an infected person. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AIDS is a Death Sentence In the 1980s, there was a very high death rate from AIDS. However, medications have improved dramatically and so has the life span of people with HIV infection. If you have access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and to medical monitoring, there is no reason you can't live a long life even with HIV infection or AIDS. REMEMBER: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining your health. Take control of your health and your life. If you have additional questions or concerns about HIV/AIDS, please contact Facebook, twitter. |
