Common myths about HIV/AIDS disproved
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MYTH: Taking immune boosters and vitamins can cure AIDS
TRUTH: Vitamins can be part of a lifestyle plan, but they are not a cure! If taken in the right doses and combined with healthy exercise and diet, they can help keep you healthy for longer, but there is unfortunately NO CURE for HIV/AIDS.
MYTH: HIV doesn’t cause AIDS
TRUTH: There is a lot of strong, respected, scientific evidence showing that AIDS (the syndrome) is caused by infection with the HI virus. There is a small minority of people called “denialists” who disagree with this evidence, but orthodox science concludes that HIV causes AIDS.
MYTH: Having sex with a virgin cures AIDS
TRUTH: Once again, there is NO CURE for AIDS. This is just an ugly myth which has caused confusion and damage. There is no truth in it at all.
MYTH: Condoms don’t protect you from getting HIV/AIDS
TRUTH: If you use a new condom every time you have sex, and make sure it is put on correctly, condoms are 100% EFFECTIVE. If the condom breaks or is past its expiry date, then you could be at risk. Read the instructions first, use lots of water-based lubricant and be careful when taking it off to make sure you are safe.
MYTH: You can get HIV from a mosquito bite
TRUTH: Mosquitoes don’t transmit HIV or AIDS. Mosquitoes do not inject the blood of other people they have bitten into new people they bite. Humans cannot catch HIV/AIDS from any insects or animals such as monkeys, spiders or snakes. Only humans can carry the virus – the “H” in HIV stands for “Human” (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
MYTH: HIV was invented to kill black people and homosexuals
TRUTH: This is a widespread CONSPIRACY THEORY, with no truth in it at all. At the time HIV started we didn’t have the technology to create it. Plus, it is believed to be a mutation of a pre-existing disease that affects apes, rather than a manufactured virus.
MYTH: HIV-positive criminals inject unsuspecting innocent people with their infected blood
TRUTH: This is an URBAN LEGEND with no truth in it. The truth is that 90% of infections are from unprotected heterosexual sex. Mother-to-child transmission is the second most common way of being infected. A very small proportion of infections come from needle sticks, usually when doctors or nurses prick themselves accidentally.
Adapted from JournAIDS: “Myths and Misconceptions”.