Myth: HIV is incurable
Indeed, the human immunodeficiency virus is incurable. However, modern medicine offers effective methods of maintaining health in people living with HIV. When antiretroviral therapy is started early, patients can achieve the same level of life expectancy and quality of life as people without HIV. It is important to remember that when taking medications correctly and regularly, an HIV-positive person ceases to be a danger to his partner and can lead a full life, including having children.
Myth: You can get HIV from getting a tattoo
Fear of contracting HIV and other viruses while getting a tattoo is common. However, in certified tattoo parlors, the risk of infection is minimized due to the use of disposable instruments and compliance with sterile rules. It is important to choose trusted salons and monitor hygiene during the procedure.
Myth: You can get HIV through public toilets
There is a common misconception about the possibility of contracting HIV through public toilets. However, the virus is not transmitted through contact with surfaces such as toilets, sinks or doorknobs. HIV does not survive outside the body and cannot be transmitted through contact with surfaces, even if they contain traces of blood or other body fluids.
Myth: HIV can be contracted through insect or animal bites
Another common misconception is that HIV can be contracted through insect or animal bites. The virus is not actually transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes, flies or other insects, or through the bites or stings of animals such as dogs or cats. HIV is transmitted only through contact with contaminated blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk or other body fluids of a person already infected with the virus.
Myth: HIV is transmitted through kissing
In fact, HIV is only transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Tears and saliva do not contain a sufficient concentration of the virus for infection. Therefore, ordinary contact, including kissing and sharing utensils, cannot be a source of HIV transmission.
It is important to remember that awareness and adherence to preventative measures can help prevent the spread of HIV and make life more comfortable and safe for people living with the virus.
Modern HIV treatments not only help control the viral load in the body, but also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to other people.
Moreover, the active use of antiviral drugs for preventive purposes, such as the drug Prep, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV even through contact with an infected person and significantly improve the prospects for controlling the spread of the virus.
It is important to remember that preventive measures, such as condom use and regular HIV testing, remain key tools in controlling the spread of HIV infection.
