VizagInfo.com - Myths on AIDS

25 year old Srinu (name changed), a private engineer called up the Helpline to get the address of a private laboratory where he could get tested. On being probed, it was found out that Srinu had already got tested 32 times, and wanted to get tested again, as he feared having got infected with HIV. He probably thought that he got infected through his room mate who went out with so many girls. Since Srinu shared the same room, he thought that he contacted the disease as they shared the same utensils, clothes and toilet.Srinu was counseled, and given the right information as to how is HIV transmitted and How is HIV not transmitted.

How many of us share the same story? Although not tested so many a times, we do have innumerable doubts on how to keep ourselves free from HIV. Many a times we talk to our peer group who have limited knowledge like us, and we end up believing what is not true. It's very important to talk to a professional, who can not only give the right information but also provide counseling by being non-judgemental.Few common myths and misconceptions have been given in detail. More queries can be cleared by talking to health professionals such as counselors/doctors working in the field of HIV/AIDS.

Myth 1: HIV spreads through mosquito bites

There is no scientific proof, which claims that HIV is spread through mosquito bites. When mosquitoes bite someone, they do not inject their own blood or blood of an animal or person it has bitten into the next person it bites. The mosquitoes do inject saliva, which acts a lubricant so that it can feed more effectively. Yellow fever and malaria can be transmitted through the saliva but HIV does not get reproduced in insects. Also, mosquitoes don't normally travel from one person to another after ingesting blood. The insects needs time to digest the blood meal before moving on.

Myth 2: Kissing leads to HIV infection

Social or friendly kissing that is a peck on the cheek or lips poses no risk of infection. Deep kissing, also called French kissing where the tongue explores the mouth of the partner is theoretically unsafe since exchange of saliva takes place. Although, the presence of the virus in saliva is in such small quantity, that is unlikely that the virus can be transmitted. But, if cuts or blisters are present in the mouth of either partner, transmission cannot be totally ruled out.

Myth 3: I'll get infected, if I share the toothbrush and tongue cleaner of a PLWHA

Chances are minimal but if the PLWHA suffers from any oral infection such as sore, blisters and cavity) with blood oozing out, and an individual coming in direct contact with the blood (on the tooth brush, tongue cleaner) has, chances of getting infected. But, however, if the toothbrush and tongue cleaner has been washed, then chances are very minimal, and if dried then chances are negligible. It is always ad visible keeping in mind the hygienic condition of an individual; toothbrushes and tongue cleaners shouldn't be shared

Myth 4: If I live with someone with HIV I can get AIDS

HIV cannot be casually transmitted. You can share food, phones, cigarettes dishes, clothes, or bathrooms (to name a few), without risk. You can also share a swimming pool. Avoid contact with the infected person's blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. Blood is visible in any body fluid; treat it as if it were infected blood by wearing latex gloves, when cleaning it up. Wash your hands with soap or blood when you are finished.

Myth 5: Urine can transmit HIV

Urine does not transmit HIV. Exposure to urine, without visible blood in it, does not place you at risk at all.

Myth 6: Transmission is less possible if two condoms are used during sex.

Not true, don't double up those condoms. Two condoms together cause friction and breakage. It's much better to use one condom correctly.

For more information/to clear doubts, please call up Saadhan HIV/AIDS Helpline at 2552222, and talk to our counselors, anytime between 10am-7pm, Monday through Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday.