The society has made us believe that only sex is the reason behind the spread of HIV and AIDS. The truth is that it is the last reason for the virus.
HIV/ AIDS is a global concern in the current time, its spread is increasing at a rapid rate. Approximately, 40 million people worldwide are suffering from the problem. There are many developments made in the field of medicine to deal with this problem but the current mindsets have given rise to many myths leading the sufferers to feel insecure of it.
Difference between HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are two different issues but the lack of awareness has given rise to the major confusion between the two. HIV is human Immunodeficiency Virus, in simple terms we can understand it as HIV is a disease.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. In simple terms, it is a syndrome. Any disease when reach at a prolonged stage, it becomes syndrome.
Not all HIV positive person are AIDS positive. HIV is life long but one can lead a life span of normal human with right therapy, medication and proper care. No care, no precautions and no medication can turn HIV into AIDS in a very short span of time.
Four Myths and Acts of HIV/AIDS
Myth 1: HIV/AIDS is Contagious
Fact: Neither HIV nor AIDS is contagious. It is a false belief that both virus and syndrome are contagious but the truth is that it does not spread from one person to another until or unless the bodily fluids like (Semen, blood, Vaginal fluids, Saliva etc.) Of an infected person is transferred to a normal body. Hugging or shaking hand with an infected person does not spread any virus from one to another.
Myth 2: The Main cause is Sexual Intercourse
Fact: The society has made us believe that only sex is the reason behind the spread of HIV and AIDS. The truth is that it is the last reason for the virus. The most common reason is used syringes, most positive patients are drug addicts who use same syringes just to calm their systems. It is most commonly caused by the syringes and even the shared razors as the blood stays on blade and when it enters a normal human body, it causes the Virus.
Myth 3: HIV/AIDS has No cure and Person dies soon
Fact: It does not have any cure is right but even a positive patient can lead a normal life span. If right care is given HIV does not grow at all .
Myth 4: It is caused by Insect Bites
Fact: Many people believe that insect bites or mosquito bites causes virus. There has not been a single registered case of HIV and AIDS which is caused by insect bites.
Most Important Precautions to be taken
It is very important to stay safe from this virus as it directly attacks the immune system. One must ensure:
- Use of condoms: lubricated condoms should be used and no condom which has been dried up or was in open packet should be used. HIV is growing at a very high speed in transgender people, the reason behind it is no lubrication.
When a man and a woman have an intercourse, cuts and wounds are rare because female genital naturally is lubricated. In the trans case both the genitals are harsh and dry which initiates cuts and sores leading to more HIV cases. Protected sex is very necessary, one must ensure the safety and take all the precautions required. - No razor and needle sharing: most cases found virus are the drug addicts who share the syringes. Also, no razors should be shared as it can carry blood on a blade. Also , the razors second time when used should be sterlized.
Treatment of HIV/AIDS
- ARVT – It stands for Antiretroviral Therapy. It is the only treatment for HIV/AIDS. The people who are on effective therapy possess undetectable HIV. The virus which is undetectable is untransmittable. It works on people who manage diet, medication and lifestyle.
- PREP – It is an injectable medicine. It cures HIV but this injection is to be taken within a short span and on the advisory of doctor before the Exposure of HIV into body.
