Dispelling Myths: Understanding HIV/AIDS & Breaking Stereotypes
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Imagine you’re hanging out in college with your friends. In the middle of all the fun, the conversation takes a turn towards health, and the talk lands on HIV/AIDS.
Now, one of your friends is not aware how a person gets HIV/AIDS. He confidently says things like you can catch it from a simple handshake or sharing a meal. But here’s the thing – that’s not true! This lack of correct info adds to the problem because it keeps the wrong ideas about this disease alive.
Misinformation hurts people with HIV, making it crucial for all of us to share accurate facts. Let’s work together to stop the spread of false beliefs and support those affected by HIV by reading this blog till the end.
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a virus that attacks a specific type of cell in your body’s immune system, called CD4 T-Lymphocytes. These cells support your immune system in fighting off infections and diseases. When HIV infects and destroys a lot of these cells, your immune system becomes weaker.
As a result, your body can have a hard time fighting off infections and diseases. If HIV progresses it can cause a more severe condition called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), where the immune system is badly damaged.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. It’s essential to get tested and, if needed, receive treatment to manage the virus and prevent it from progressing to AIDS.
What are HIV virus symptoms?
HIV has different symptoms depending on the stage of the infection. In the beginning, people might not notice anything or feel like they have the flu, with things like fever, headache, rash, and a sore throat.
As time goes on and the virus keeps affecting the immune system, more severe signs might show up. These include swollen glands, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and a persistent cough. These are the major symptoms of AIDS.
If someone doesn’t get treatment for HIV, it can cause even more serious health issues. These can be things like tuberculosis, a kind of meningitis called cryptococcal meningitis, various bacterial infections, and cancers like lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma. So, someone with HIV needs to get the right care to help manage the virus and prevent these issues.
Note – You can have HIV without having any symptoms. This is why it’s essential to get tested regularly even if you don’t feel sick.
Unknown Facts about HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is surrounded by many myths and misunderstandings. Let’s explore some lesser-known facts that can help us better understand this virus.
- How HIV Spreads
HIV is not passed through everyday activities like sharing drinks, touching, or sneezing.
It spreads through specific fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
- Life Expectancy with Treatment
With the right medical care and taking prescribed medicines, many people with HIV can live a normal, healthy life.
On average, those who start treatment early can live up to 78 years, just like anyone else.
- Global Impact and New Infections
Around the world, about 39 million people had HIV in 2022.
Even though progress is happening, 1.3 million people will be newly infected with HIV in 2022.
This shows we still need to focus on teaching people, using prevention methods, and making healthcare accessible to stop HIV from spreading.
Risk Factors Associated with HIV/AIDS
Below are a few common risk factors for HIV/AIDS:
- Unprotected Sexual Intercourse
If you have sex without using condoms, it increases the chance of getting HIV.
- Sharing Needles
Sharing needles for drugs, piercings, or tattoos can expose you to HIV if the needles become contaminated with HIV.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission
A mom with HIV can pass it to her baby during childbirth, breastfeeding, or pregnancy.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Having other infections increases the risk of getting HIV because they can cause not just sores, but any inflammation or ‘redness’ can make it easier for HIV to pass through skin or mucous membranes.
- Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants
Getting blood or organs without proper testing can lead to HIV, but this is rare now because of better screening.
- Occupational Exposure
Healthcare workers might accidentally get pricked by a needle with infected blood, putting them at risk.
Conclusion
In a world where people might believe wrong things about HIV/AIDS, all of us need to clear up these misunderstandings and make sure everyone knows the facts. HIV isn’t just a virus; it’s a condition that affects how our body’s defense system works.
If you’re worried about whether you have HIV or just want to make sure you’re healthy, start by getting tested. You can book an appointment online with Cellmaflex. Let’s all do our part by sharing the correct information and supporting those dealing with HIV. Together, we can create a world without judgment and false ideas about this virus.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
For more information:
BBC – HIV blood tests to be rolled out to more hospitals
World Health Organization – HIV and AIDS
If you find yourself interested, For more information.
