The name HIV/AIDS used to give goosebumps to people even on discussing it. Around 36.7 million people are suffering from this dangerous disease across the globe. There were times when patients of this disease had the tag of untouchables in society. Over the years the misconceptions related to this disease have gone down, but still, myths exist in general. Let’s discuss few myths about this disease and come out of the mindset for such patients.
- CONSIDERED AS A DEATH SENTENCE: HIV was considered a deadly disease in beginning. With the advancement in medical science, people can live a normal and longer life span; provided the patient continues with therapies and medication prescribed.
- CAN BE FIGURED OUT WITH PATIENT’S FACE: The early symptoms of this disease are quite similar to any other infection. With proper treatment, the patient is in a better state. So the myth of ease of recognition is ruled out for this disease.
- MOSQUITOS CAN BE TRANSMITTER: As this disease is spread through blood, there is a common myth that it can be passed by a mosquito bite. When a healthy person is bitten by a mosquito after biting an HIV patient, the disease is not passed.
- ORAL SEX CAN BE A CAUSE: The rate of getting HIV transmitted through oral sex is almost negligible.
- CAN BE TRANSMITTED IN MEN WOMEN RELATIONSHIP: Gays and heterosexual people have the highest rate of HIV spread. According to a study in 2016, 24% of HIV-positive cases were heterosexual, two-third of them being females.
- HIV PATIENTS CAN’T BE PARENTS: HIV-infected women can plan their pregnancy well in advance with the care of ART treatment. They must have treatment throughout their term of pregnancy. Such women can go for C-Section instead of normal labor.
- BOTH INFECTED PARTNERS CAN GO WITHOUT CONDOMS: Even if both the person is infected, they still need to use condoms. It reduces the risk of transmitting some other new strain of HIV.
These are few common myths still prevailing in the world. Let’s join hands on this HIV/AIDS awareness day to help people coming out of myths about this disease.
Written by Mrs. Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
