Myths are false beliefs that have crept in deep in our society. They are spread all over, and are blindly believed. It’s about time we clear the air.
And, allow me to help. Below are the top 5 common myths about HIV transmission taking rounds in our society, and quick pointers as to why they don’t make sense.
#Myth 1: The virus can be transmitted by touching a person living with HIV
Touching, hugging, shaking hands, or high-fiving an HIV affected person CANNOT pass on the infection. HIV is transmitted only by coming in direct contact with the body fluids of a person living with HIV.
#Myth 2: Mosquitos can transmit HIV
So not true! An insect cannot inject blood into its prey. To transmit the virus, the insect has to first bite a person living with HIV and then inject that blood into someone else’s body, which is impossible as insects do not have re-injecting properties.
#Myth 3: Unprotected sex is not a big deal
We’ve got to trash this one out! The virus is mostly transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. If you’re taking HIV prevention by using condoms properly, you can lower your risk of getting HIV. If you don’t use a condom, because it reduces the sexual pleasure, watch out! It’s better to have safe sex to live a safe life.
#Myth 4: HIV makes a long and healthy life out of reach
No, it is no longer true. HIV can be considered as manageable chronic illness as with the help of new medicines and treatment, HIV can be controlled. HIV once acquired stays in your body but its affect can now be reduced. One hero drug as far as HIV treatment is concerned, is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Its regular doses can prolong the life of an HIV positive person and greatly manage the quality of life.
#Myth 5: No symptoms means no HIV
HIV symptoms are very common, hence it is difficult to predict your HIV status based on them. Moreover, in many cases HIV symptoms don’t appear at all. But that does not mean you are absolutely safe. So, getting tested every six months is your best shot at protecting yourself from HIV.
#Myth 6: HIV positive means life over
It is widely believed that HIV positive people do not live a long life and will succumb to the virus, however, if regular and proper treatment is taken, HIV is manageable and there are a lot of cases where people who are HIV positive are living a healthy life.
These mistaken beliefs about HIV transmission can trap you. Further, to be best equipped for HIV prevention, get regularly tested through Yes4Me. Take our risk assessment test. There, our expert counselors for you to ask HIV questions online. Further, how to test for HIV will never be worrisome.
Yes4Me ensures absolute confidentiality of your data. So, if you’re feeling shy or hesitated while taking the test, trust me, there’s no need. Complete secrecy will be maintained. You can also book an appointment with the nearby HIV testing centerthrough Yes4Me, and be sure of your HIV status.
There’s no place for myths in the society. Knock them over and get tested for HIV through Yes4Me, right away!
