You can’t inhale HIV

Myths, facts and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS:

More than 30 years after the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), many people, as was evidenced the past couple of weeks, are in the dark about the realities of the disease, confusing myths for facts, and allowing misconceptions to fuel paranoia.

Proximity does not spread HIV, neither do mosquitoes…. Below is a HIV/AIDS guide about myths, facts and misconception courtesy WebMD.

*You can get HIV by being around people who are HIV positive

Evidence shows that HIV is not spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva. You cannot catch HIV by:

• Breathing the same air as someone who is HIV positive.
• Touching a toilet seat or doorknob handle after an HIV-positive person.
• Drinking from a water fountain.
• Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV positive.
• Sharing eating utensils with an HIV-positive person.
• Using exercise equipment at a gym.

It’s very rare to get HIV from a blood transfusion these days, because blood supply is carefully tested. However, you can spread the disease from having unprotected sex, sharing needles, or getting a tattoo from unsterilised equipment.

*You can get HIV from mosquitoes

Because HIV is spread through blood, people have worried that biting or bloodsucking insects might spread HIV. Several studies, however, show no evidence to support this, even in areas with lots of mosquitoes and cases of AIDS. When insects bite, they do not inject the blood of the person or animal they have last bitten. Also, HIV lives for only a short time inside an insect.

*Having HIV means you have AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the body’s CD4 immune cells, which help fight disease. With the right medications, you can have HIV for years or decades without HIV progressing to AIDS.

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is diagnosed when you have HIV as well as certain opportunistic infections or your CD4 cell count drops below 200.

*You know you have HIV because of the symptoms

Some people don’t show any signs of HIV for years after being infected. Many can have some symptoms within 10 days to a few weeks after infection.

These first symptoms are similar to the flu or mononucleosis and may include fever, fatigue, rash, and sore throat. They usually disappear after a few weeks and you may not have symptoms again for several years. The only way to tell you have HIV is to get tested.

*If you are HIV positive - your life is over

The truth is that many people live for decades with HIV or AIDS and have a normal or near-normal life span. You can help prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS by seeing your doctor regularly and following your doctor’s guidance.

*You are straight and don’t use IV drugs - You won’t become HIV positive

Most men do become HIV positive through sexual contact with other men or through injection drug use. However, about 16% of men and 78% of women become HIV positive through heterosexual contact.

*If you are receiving treatment, you can’t spread the HIV virus

When HIV treatments work well, they can reduce the amount of virus in your blood to a level so low that it doesn’t show up in blood tests. Research shows, however, that the virus is still “hiding” in other areas of the body. It is still essential to practise safe sex so you won’t infect someone else.

*You can tell if your partner is HIV positive

You can be HIV positive and not have any symptoms for years. The only way for you or your partner to know if you’re HIV positive is to get tested.

*HIV can be cured

At this time, there is no cure for HIV in most cases, but treatment can keep virus levels low and help maintain your immune system. Some drugs interfere with proteins HIV needs to copy itself; others block the virus from entering or inserting its genetic material into your immune cells. Your doctor will consider your general health, the health of your immune system, and the amount of virus in your body to decide when to start treatment.

*You can have a baby if you are HIV-positive

Infected mothers can indeed pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery. However, you can lower the risk by working with your doctor and getting the appropriate care and medication.

Pregnant women with HIV can take medications to treat their infection and to help protect their babies against the virus.

*You can’t avoid other HIV- related infections

Due to weakened immune systems, people with HIV can be vulnerable to infections like pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis.

The best way to reduce the risk is to take your HIV medications. Some infections can be prevented with drugs. You can lessen exposure to some germs by avoiding undercooked meat, litter boxes, and water that may be contaminated.

you cannot catch HIV by:

* Breathing the same air as someone who is HIV positive.
* Touching a toilet seat or doorknob handle after an HIV-positive person.
* Drinking from a water fountain.
* Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV positive.
* Sharing eating utensils with an HIV-positive person.