There’s no doubt that stereotypes regarding everything persist in our society. And “everything”, includes HIV as well, rather quite significantly. Some stereotypes are prevalent for HIV positive people as well, and are blindly believed.
HIV is a sensitive issue that people are hesitant to talk about. This gives rise to stereotypes that make things worse for people living with HIV.
I feel it’s high time, we should root out these not-so-true ideas from our society. I have seen people living with HIV in the society getting an earful every now and then. They are often received with “Shame on you!” and “Stay away!” And, the root-cause of such behaviour towards them? Illogical stereotypes. Let us list down the three most common ones, knocking at the doors of the people living with HIV:
HIV can be transmitted by touching
According to medical research, HIV cannot be transmitted by touching, hugging, or high-fiving a person having HIV. HIV is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, or breast-milk) of a person living with HIV.Hence, staying away from HIV positive people, shouldn’t be the case.
HIV positive people are of a questionable character
In the present time, having sex with multiple characters is wrongly deemed as unethical. And, due to incomplete knowledge about ways of HIV transmission, people start living with HIV if you get sexually involved with multiple partners, and hence a question on the person’s character is raised.
HIV-positive people don’t have any HIV treatment
It is not true. HIV cannot be completely cured, but can be controlled with timely HIV treatment. The revolutionary ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) has helped HIV infected people live long and productive lives with reduced risk of infecting others. ART can suppress the viral considerably and can let HIV positive people live a long and healthy life. Under supervision of Health care providers and with ART, the chances of transmission could also be prevented.
It’s about time we get rid of the stereotypes, get tested for HIV ourselves, and encourage others to do so.
For an easy and convenient way to get an HIV test, you can book an appointment through Yes4Me. All you need to do is, take our risk assessment test, wherein you’ll be asked some simple questions. Next, set up a reservation with the nearby HIV testing centres, by selecting your preferred day and time. Throughout the process, you’ll be receiving support from expert counsellors who guide you all along with their free pre and post-test counselling. With home collection of sample available, you won’t need to make too many rounds to the HIV testing center.
