Myths and Facts About HIV

As a testing technician and counselor at one of the major AIDS clinics in Alabama, I am concerned about the number of myths and erroneous beliefs involving HIV and AID, many of which are reported as facts in many high-profile websites. We here at the AIDS Action Coalition believe that education and correct information is essential to stopping the spread of this devastating disease, and I hope this article clears up any confusion or misinformation regarding the issues I am going to address. That being said, if anyone has any questions regarding any aspect of HIV or AIDS, please refer to the Center for Disease Control website, as they are your best bet for accurate and up-to-date information.

Myth 1: Heterosexuals don't have to worry about contracting HIV.
Fact: According to a CDC study, here in the state of Alabama, 33% of new cases diagnosed in 2007 were in Heterosexuals. Because the virus is passed through blood, semen, and vaginal fluid, men and women who are in sexual contact with an infected person are at risk for contracting HIV.

Myth 2: HIV is not an infectious disease.
Fact: Another article quotes a doctor who claims this to be a fact. I have never heard of this doctor during my own research, but according to the Center for Disease Control, HIV is an infectious disease.

Myth 3: HIV is only spread through blood, so the only people at risk are IV drug users, and those at risk of being exposed to an infected person's blood.
Fact: HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, perinatal fluid, and breast milk. Any of these fluids coming into contact with mucous membranes or open wounds can put the receiving party at risk, regardless of age, sex, or sexual orientation.

Myth 4: You can get AIDS if you share a toilet seat, toothbrush, etc., with an infected person, or if an infected person coughs or sneezes on you.
Fact: HIV is only transmitted through the body fluids listed above. Although traces of the virus are found in sweat, tears, saliva, etc, a person would have to be exposed to very large amounts (gallons) of these fluids to be at risk. Also, the virus does not live outside normal body temperatures, so cannot remain active on a toilet seat, water fountain, or any other object.

Myth 5: The government has greatly exaggerated the threat of HIV to Americans.
Fact: The authors of some other articles seem concerned that HIV has not lived up to the government's predictions of a mass outbreak. The problem is, among some groups, HIV IS an epidemic. In Alabama, African Americans accounted for a whopping 70% of new cases in 2007. This is greatly disproportionate to the overall population, which is 26% African American. (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/01000.html) . In the United States, African Americans constitute an average of 63% of all HIV cases. The rate of new infections in the Hispanic population is rising as well. In my opinion, it is the attitude that "HIV doesn't concern my economic/social/racial group" that puts a person at greatest risk

Myth 6: One can tell if a person has HIV or AIDS.
Fact: You can't. Some diseases that manifest themselves in AIDS cases, such as Kaposi sarcoma, show physical symptoms, such as sores, or a "wasting" effect. However, many other diseases, conditions, and cancers cause the same outer signs. And with a person who is not in full blown AIDS, it is very often difficult, if not impossible, to tell if they have the disease. A person is contagious from the day they contract the virus, whether they exhibit symptoms or not.

All the facts and statistics quoted in this article come from the CDC's "Fact Book: HIV/AIDS" unless otherwise stated. Any of the information can also be found on their website, www.cdc.gov.