According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, there were approximately 36.9 million people worldwide, out of which 1.8 million were children, living with HIV/AIDS in 2017
New Delhi: As people across the globe are celebrating World AIDS Day on Saturday to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, MyNation takes the opportunity to discuss few facts about the disease.
Talking freely about the disease is still a taboo and a lot of stigmas is attached to it.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, there were approximately 36.9 million people worldwide, out of which 1.8 million were children, living with HIV/AIDS in 2017.
Thus it is high time that time people leave their inhibitions aside and come forward to prevent the disease and help those who have already fallen victim.
Here are 10 myths about AIDs, which everyone should keep in their minds:
1. HIV is spread through touch:
HIV doesn’t spread through touch and for the matter of fact neither tears nor sweat, saliva or pee.
2. Kissing is absolutely safe:
We all know that HIV can spread during sexual intercourse. However, kissing and hugging is absolutely safe. One has to be aware of infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk.
3. Mosquitoes spread HIV:
It is also commonly believed that HIV is spread by blood-sucking insects. However, this is not true as bugs do not inject the blood of another person when they bite you. Also, inside insects, HIV lives for a very short time span.
4. HIV is equal to being very sick:
One person can be HIV positive and not have any symptoms for years. It is best you test and find out the results.
5. HIV is death sentence:
Yes, it is true that there is no cure for HIV, but the disease can be treated. With proper medicine and care, a person with the disease can live a strong and productive life for many years.
6. A virgin can cure HIV:
Thought it is extremely revolting, many people believe that having sexual intercourse with a virgin can cure HIV. By having unprotected sex with someone, a virgin or not, the person with HIV will only make them vulnerable to the transmission of the virus.
7. Oral sex is safe:
If you believe that oral sex can prevent transmission of HIV, think again. Transmission of HIV occurs when there is an exchange of body fluids and this can happen during oral sex as there can be open wounds in the throat, mouth or on the male and female genitalia.
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