Due to the deadly nature of HIV/AIDS, there are many people who not only live in great fear of contracting it but also refuse to learn about the real nature of the infection, and how it can affect them. Consequently, there is a tendency for people to believe just about anything concerning HIV/AIDS, and these myths have a penchant for getting perpetuated. Some of the more common ones debunked:
Common Misconceptions About HIV /AIDS
If You Have HIV, You Have AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a virus that affects the body’s immune system that is responsible for fighting disease. It is quite possible for people to live for years with HIV, without it ever progressing to a condition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. You are diagnosed with AIDS only when you have HIV together certain other infections or the CD4 cell count goes below 200.
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It Is Quite Easy To Contract HIV from Casual Contact
Contrary to popular opinion, it can be next to impossible to get HIV from casual contact like sharing a towel, eating from the same plate, hugging someone, etc. Since blood supplies in America are tested thoroughly, it is also quite difficult to get infected from a blood transfusion. However, it is possible to get HIV by unprotected sex and exchanging bodily fluids.
Death Follows Quickly After Infection
If HIV is carefully controlled and stopped from progressing to AIDS with proper treatment, it is quite possible that people with AIDS will enjoy a lifespan similar to those who are not infected. HIV can be controlled with proper medical supervision and by undergoing the prescribed treatment.
HIV Can Be Easily Diagnosed Because of the Displayed Symptoms
The appearance of HIV symptoms is notoriously uncertain. While some people may display symptoms similar to that of influenza, including fever, tiredness, sore throat and rash that disappear after a few weeks and do not recur for many years, other people may contract HIV but do not display any symptoms for years altogether. Competitive ELISA testing is among the most reliable ways of HIV detection.
HIV Is Curable
Regretfully, as of now, no cure has been found for HIV. However, the level of the virus can be kept low with proper medication to assist in maintaining the immune system. Medications work in diverse ways; some affect the proteins that HIV infection needs to multiply, while others obstruct the entry of the virus into the immune system. The treatment will be prescribed by the doctor after considering factors like the general health of the patient, the robustness of the immune system and the extent of the infection, among others.
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Conclusion
HIV/AIDS is a major health issue in America now; each year there are more than 50,000 fresh HIV cases, while close to 14,000 people die of AIDS. Male homosexuality accounts for a majority of the new infections, with the African-American community bearing the maximum risk. You can learn how to prevent being infected by HIV by reading, consulting a caregiver and not falling prey to misconceptions.
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