- A person can get HIV by hanging around with PLHIV (People Living With HIV) One cannot get infected by hugging, kissing, shaking hands, touching toilet seat or door knob after it is touched by PLHIV, sharing food, talking, etc. HIV virus which is present in body fluids of PLHIV and it does not spread in the abovementioned situations.
- HIV spreads through mosquitoes. Usually mosquitos do not inject blood in humans. In case if a mosquito bite a PLHIV and then bite a healthy individual, the virus is not transmitted. But if the person kills the mosquito that has bitten a PLHIV over his broken skin then there are chances that the blood might enter the person’s body and cause infection.
- PLHIV or AIDS patient can be easily recognized. No. PLHIV can be as healthy as others based on his immunity. Some persons can just experience flu like symptoms which disappear after some time. There may not be any symptoms for a period ranging from months till years.
- HIV and AIDS are one and
- same HIV is the presence of infection in blood.
- AIDS develops later when the viral load increases which destroys the person’s immune system and cause symptoms of disease.
- Immediate death is imminent after a person gets HIV infection. As we have learnt previously that HIV is an infection and AIDS develops only when the infection destroys the immune system and a person develops symptoms. This may take years based on the nutrition and lifestyle of the infected person. Again, if the antiretroviral treatment is strictly adhered this will also slow down the progress of HIV to AIDs. It will restrict the virus and protect the immune system from getting AIDS.
- Only sex workers, homosexuals, injectable drug users, or people indulging in promiscuous sex behaviors will contract HIV. Individuals living with the society approved norms will not get it. Everyone is at risk of getting HIV, suppose if a person gets infected due to injections or during surgery done by infected instruments. Blood transfusions due to infected blood, organs transplants, accidental injuries can happen to medical workers handling HIV person’s procedures, etc. Unprotected intercourse with an infected person can cause HIV infection.
- There is no need to take the medicines once the viral load is contained and the person feels better. HIV cannot be cured; the virus can just be contained by continuation of ARV treatment. Hence on stopping the treatment the virus load will increase and person will be prone to get AIDS. Hence it is important to continue taking the medicines.
- Only penetrative sex can transfer HIV infection. NO. In case there are injuries or sores in the oral cavity the oral sex and deep kissing can also transfer HIV infection.
- Poor people are at greater risk to get HIV. HIV infected does not understand any class. Everyone is vulnerable if they are exposed to infections through unprotected sex, use of infected needles, HIV positive mother to child, blood transfusions with infected blood, infected organs transplants, careless handling on infected products and needles, etc.
- HIV and AIDS are only caused through sex. There are di?erent ways of spread of infection apart from unprotected sex which have been discussed above.
- Kissing deep mouth to mouth does not spread infection. If there is presence of oral sores, bleeding gums, cuts, etc. then there are chances of getting HIV infection through the body fluids entering through these cuts sores, etc.
- Babies born to HIV positive mothers are also positive.
- If the HIV status of mother is known early, then ARV can be started to prevent the mother to child transmission.
- There are less chances of HIV spreading from mother to child.
- Whether breast milk transmits the infection is a matter of study. But exclusive breastfeeding gives additional protection to newborn from childhood infections like diarrhea, and prevents malnutrition. Take good care of breast to prevent cracks, infection and bleeding. Prevent oral sores/infections in babies who are breastfeed.
