Busting HIV myths
What do you believe about HIV? Are you still afraid to hug someone who is HIV positive? Do you feel uncomfortable using a public toilet?
Myths and urban legends are untruths that people take as fact. The more they are repeated, the more they are believed. This fuels discrimination and causes a stigma around the disease, causing additional pain and suffering for those living with HIV.
According to the World Health Organisation, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ‘targets the immune system and weakens a person’s defence systems against infections and some types of cancer. The virus destroys and impairs the function of the immune cells and the infected person gradually becomes immune deficient.’
3 important facts about HIV
- FACT 1
Once a person is infected with HIV, the virus gets into the blood stream and begins to impair and kill off the host’s immune cells. Opportunistic infections take advantage of the person’s weakened immune system and they get sick more often. - FACT 2
The strength of the body’s immune function is measured by a CD4 cell count. A normal count is between 500 and 1,500 CD4 cells per cubic millimetre of blood. A declining count is an indication that the immune system is weakening. - FACT 3
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. The WHO says it is defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections and/or HIV-related cancers in combination with the presence of HIV.
9 myths busted
Myth 1. “I can contract HIV if I touch an infected person’s body fluids like sweat, tears or urine.”
Four body fluids carry HIV – blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. These fluids need to come in contact with a mucous membranes (like those found in the vagina, penis, (glans), rectum or mouth) or with damaged tissue (broken skin or a wound). The virus may also be transmitted directly into the bloodstream through infected needles. You can’t contract it by hugging or kissing an HIV positive person.
Myth 2. “I’ll get HIV if use a public toilet.”
Public toilets that are not properly maintained can be dirty, but you won’t contract HIV from one. The disease is spread by unprotected sex, sharing needles and a mother can pass on the virus to her unborn baby during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
Myth 3. “Only sexually promiscuous people contract HIV.”
It was once thought that AIDS was a disease contracted only by homosexual or bisexual men but scientists later found out that heterosexual couples and children could become infected too. Many people believe that if someone has contracted HIV, the person is ‘loose’ or sleeps around. This isn’t true and perceptions like these can be dangerous as they prevent people from getting tested for fear of stigmatisation and alienation. Never judge someone who is HIV positive.
Myth 4. “My doctor will discuss my HIV status with others if I get tested.”
The South African Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) recognises the importance of keeping status information confidential and states that the HIV test results of patients should be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. You must give your consent for your status to be disclosed to a third party. Only in exceptional circumstances may this be done without consent – if it is in public interest or if someone’s life is in danger.
Myth 5. “If both my partner and I are HIV positive, we don’t need to use condoms.”
Always use condoms to prevent reinfection, infection with a different strain of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms also protect you from an unwanted pregnancy.
Myth 6. “I’m in a heterosexual, committed relationship so we don’t need to practice safe sex.”
Firstly, if you haven’t been tested since you started the relationship, you should both consider getting tested now. While you may be able to take responsible for your own sexual behaviour, only your partner can take responsible for theirs. Infidelity cannot be ruled out in any relationship. Using a condom at all times ensures your safely, not only from contracting HIV, but also other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.
Myth 7. “HIV positive couples can’t have children.”
We know that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, so this myth seems true, however, science and our understanding of HIV have advanced. There is a number of different options available to couples and this depends on which partner is HIV positive, if both are, what the viral load is and if you are taking anti-retroviral medications (ARVs). If you or your partner is living with HIV and you want to conceive, speak to your doctor. If the mother is HIV positive, precautions must be taken to prevent transmission of the virus to the baby.
Myth 8. “If you are HIV positive, you will get AIDs.”
ARVs can prevent HIV advancing to AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV and is also known as HIV stage 4.
Myth 9. “HIV is a curable disease.”
Scientist have not found a cure for HIV, however, being diagnosed HIV positive is no longer a death sentence. With advancements in medicine and the availability of anti-retroviral medication, a person can live a healthy, productive life, provided that you receive good health care, eat a healthy diet, take any medication prescribed by a doctor and practice safe sex.
Mythbuster
In 1987, at a time of great uncertainty and widespread fear around HIV/AIDS, the late Princess Diana shocked the world when she visited a hospital in London and shook hands with an AIDS patient without wearing gloves. The photograph was published throughout the world and made huge strides in debunking the myths and perceptions about how HIV is transmitted.
Resources
- Avert – www.avert.org
- World Health Organisation – www.who.int
- Lowcountry AIDS Services – www.aids-services.com