Over the years, different misinformation about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have circulated which led to more people contracting the virus and stigmatisation towards carriers.
FACTS
– HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system.
– If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS.
– You have AIDS if your CD4 count drops below 200 or when you have certain infections or cancers.
– You can have HIV for years without having AIDS. Being infected with HIV does not mean you have developed AIDS.
– There is no cure for HIV at this time. however, people with HIV who start treatment early in their infection, stay on treatment, and have an undetectable viral load can stay healthy and prevent the disease from progressing to AIDS.
– An HIV positive pregnant woman can lower the chance of passing HIV to her unborn baby to less than 1%.
– You can get HIV from sharing needles or getting tattoos or body piercings.
– HIV is not spread by mosquitoes, sweat, tears, pools, or casual contact.
MYTHS
– You can contract HIV by being around people who are HIV-positive.
– It is possible to know my partner is HIV-positive.
– Testing positive to HIV is a death sentence.
– Getting treatment means I can’t spread the virus.
– HIV will prevent you from having kids.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
