HIV and AIDS Myths and Facts

HIV and AIDS Myths and Facts
4 min read
18 February 2023

Deathly illnesses like AIDS can wreck people's lives due to the shame, fear, and societal stigma attached. It is not surprising that many myths exist concerning AIDS, given that it affects over 38 million people globally, making it difficult for those with the disease to live. Thus, it is crucial to distinguish between the two. People should consult with medical experts before acting on any information they get from other secondary sources, such as the internet.

HIV and AIDS Myths and Facts

Myth1: Virus spreads through physical contact

The fact is that HIV cannot be transmitted by physical contact. Grabbing hands, hugging, or even kissing is included in this. Even though HIV does exist in bodily secretions like saliva, there isn't sufficient of it to transfer by kissing. It only transmits by contact with particular types of bodily secretions. This includes blood, breast milk, rectal mucus, sperm, and vaginal fluid. Although the healthcare and blood donation industries have restrictive laws to ensure IVs don't transmit HIV, they can still be spread from used syringes with contaminated blood on them. Additionally, it might be passed on to a newborn through pregnancy and childbirth.

Myth2: Symptoms of HIV are always present

The fact is that HIV symptoms may not show up altogether or may show up slowly. The HIV infection process happens in three phases. Initial flu-like viral symptoms, including high temperatures, exhaustion, and body pain, are part of the first phase. However, some people might not feel them at all or might just encounter a moderate form of them. The second phase can extend for decades and frequently has no symptoms. The third phase is AIDS, and the signs and symptoms that a damaged immune system of individuals associated with this AIDS cause are Joint and muscle discomfort, rash, throat ache, uncomfortable mouth sores, swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck, Diarrhea, Loss of weight, Cough, night sweats, etc.

Myth3: Everyone who has HIV dies

HIV used to be associated with a shorter life when it was originally investigated years ago, but the scenario has changed. Today the fact is, although HIV cannot be cured, it can still be effectively treated if discovered early. Modern HIV therapies actually frequently enable patients to live as well and for as long as persons who do not have the virus, and they can also shield their companions from the transmission. Additionally, the global expansion of HIV knowledge has encouraged people to take preventive measures, including using condoms during any sexual activity or taking a medicine called pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Myth4: HIV can be permanently treated

HIV is presently incurable; however, medication can manage viral levels and support immune system maintenance. Some medications prevent HIV from copying itself by interfering with proteins, while others prevent the virus from accessing immune cells or introducing its genetic material there. Everyone who has HIV should begin therapy. These drugs are usually known as antiretroviral therapy. One such medicine is Abamune L 600 mg/300 mg Tablet, a combination of two antiretrovirals. The salt composition of this medicine is Abacavir + Lamivudine. It lengthens a person's lifespan by limiting the spread of HIV within the body and lowering their risk of developing problems from the virus. These medications work better when taken consistently and simultaneously. It is crucial to visit a doctor to choose the optimal treatment combination for the infected person because it has a variety of adverse effects that might lead to further complications.

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