Five myths about AIDS that still prevail

December 1, 2014 is observed as the World AIDS Day .It was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.Over the years, efforts have been made to ensure that awareness is spread to curb this fatal disease .However, despite of pains taken by governments, NGO ,health specialists, there are still a number of Myths that have been prevailing in the society

People all across the globe observe December 1 as World AIDS Day, which is dedicated to spread awareness about the diseases caused by the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), later resulting in deaths due to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). However, despite the pains taken by governments, NGOs, health specialists and others, there are still a number of “Myths” that have been prevailing in the society about HIV/AIDS.

On this World AIDS Day, we list the five myths relating to this ailment:





1.

This is the most common belief that has sustained in the minds of people. AIDS and HIV are not same in any way.HIV is a virus that is responsible for infection, whereas AIDS is collection of disease when a person is infected and their immunity is dropped.



2. HIV is deadly



HIV is a virus that causes infection. It may or may not turn into AIDS. Through modern treatment and techniques, people affected with HIV can live on medication. Therefore, HIV doesn’t mean death.

Students spreading awarness about the disease.HT Photo





3.

Till date, people shun from interacting with HIV infected people. This disease isn’t caused by touching, sharing food or hugging the infected person. Even, touching toilet seat of used by the infected person are not the reasons for the spread of this disease.It is caused by transmission of blood, vaginal fluid, sexual intercourse ,mother’s milk, semen, etc.

4. Drug addiction is the reason for HIV/AIDS

It has nothing with being a drug addict. Transfer of blood is responsible for the being infected with it. Using needle of infected person can be the reason.

5 Getting infected by mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are not responsible for the spread of this disease as it cannot transmit HIV. When insects bite, they do not inject the blood of the person or animal they have last bitten. Also, HIV lives for only a short time inside an insect.