it'll HIV: Debunking The Myths of HIV & AIDS Medically reviewed on May 31, 2017 by C. Fookes, BPharm . Previous 1 of 10 Next View as slideshow HIV Myth 1: 'HIV and AIDs are a Death Sentence' Not true. Thirty or so years ago the death rate from AIDS was very high with very little treatment options available. Over the years there has been tremendous progress in treatment for HIV/AIDS and a person living with HIV/AIDS now has a life expectancy close to normal - around 78 years of age. There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS but it can be successfully managed. HIV Myth 2: 'HIV and AIDS Are the Same Thing' Absolutely not. HIV is the virus that infects a person and attacks the immune system. AIDS is the disease that develops later in people with HIV that remain untreated or don't respond to treatment. A person is said to have AIDS when their CD4 count (a protein found on the surface of immune cells) falls below 200 (or the CD4 percentage falls below 14%) or when they develop certain opportunistic infections or cancers . Not all patients with HIV develop AIDS. For some people, AIDS develops very quickly and for others it takes a long time. HIV Myth 3: 'I Don t Need to Worry HIV/AIDS Only Infects Gay Men' This couldn't be further from the truth. HIV is transmitted through an exchange of body fluids, specifically semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood or pre-ejaculatory fluids. This means that anybody who comes into contact with these fluids can potentially contract the virus; although, men who have sex with men are at the greatest risk. With foresight, self-discipline and education, HIV infection and AIDS can be prevented . HIV Myth 4: 'HIV Can Be Spread Through Kissing, Mosquito Bites and Sharing Toilet Seats' Not true. HIV can only be transmitted through an exchange of body fluids as mentioned -- specifically semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood or pre-ejaculatory fluids. It cannot be spread through physical contact unless you have an open wound that comes into contact with the body fluids of an HIV-positive person. Other body fluids such as saliva, sweat and tears cannot transmit HIV. HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites or toilet seats, either. HIV Myth 5: 'I Can't Get HIV From Tattoos or Body Piercing' False. You could contract HIV if the tattoo or piercing tools have blood left on them from an HIV-positive person and are not sterilized properly between clients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that only new needles, ink, and other supplies are used. Other blood-borne illnesses, such as hepatitis B and possibly hepatitis C, can also be contracted through shared tattooing and piercing equipment. Before you get a tattoo or have your body pierced, find out what steps the tattoo studio takes to prevent infection. HIV Myth 6: 'My Partner Tested Negative for HIV - That Means It's Safe For Us to Have Sex' False again. Some people take longer than others to generate an antibody response to HIV. Even though the new 4th generation HIV tests detect 95% of infections four weeks after exposure, to be completely sure, a negative result should be confirmed with a second test three months after the HIV exposure. In that time your partner must have also avoided any risky sexual activities. If the second test result is also negative, the individual is deemed HIV-free and able to have sex without spreading HIV. Viral load testing may also be used in conjunction with an HIV test, particularly if symptoms are present or after high-risk exposures. HIV Myth 7: 'An HIV-Positive Person Who Receives Antiretroviral Treatment Will Not Spread the Virus' This statement is wrong. Treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the body (viral load) but it still remains and can be transmitted to others, although the risk is much lower. Truvada is a combination medication that is used to prevent people at high-risk from contracting HIV. When used consistently, Truvada can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. It can also reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV from needles by 70% in those who inject drugs. No drug is currently 100% effective at preventing the spread of HIV. HIV Myth 8: 'I Cannot Get HIV If I Have Oral Sex' Not true. Transmission of HIV occurs when there is an exchange of body fluids (such as semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, blood or pre-ejaculatory fluids), and this is possible during oral sex when there are open wounds including cuts or ulcers in or on the mouth. It is best to avoid oral sex if you have any cuts, sores, or abrasions, or if you have a sexually transmitted infection. Otherwise, it is advisable to use condoms when engaging in oral sex. HIV Myth 9: 'If I m HIV-Positive and Get Pregnant, My Baby Will Be Born with HIV' Incorrect. If you get treatment for HIV early on in your pregnancy or continue a treatment regimen, then there is only a very small risk of passing the virus on to your baby about 2%. Without treatment, the risk is about 25%. All pregnant women should be tested for HIV. Your doctor will determine the best combination of drugs. You should not breastfeed your baby because the virus can also be transmitted through breast milk. HIV Myth 10: 'We Both Have HIV So There is No Need for Us to Use a Condom' False again. There are different strains of HIV and your partner may have a different strain than you. This makes treatment a lot more difficult especially if you become infected with a more virulent strain that is resistant to HIV medications. You should always practice safe sex and use a condom. 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