HIV - Facts and Myths

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is an uncurrable and fatal disease that has already claimed millions of deaths worldwide. There is no vaccine against the HIV virus, and there is not likely to be one in the near future. The virus can be spread from an infected person to an uninfected one in three main ways;

Through the direct contact of blood, eg: when intravenous drug users share needles.

Through unsafe sexual practices.

From an infected mother to a baby, either during pregnancy or later during breast feeding.

Symptoms of HIV

HIV cannot be self diagnosed. Only an HIV test carried out by a medical professional can give reliable results. However, here are a set of symptoms that are normally associated with HIV but remember that you cannot have HIV unless you have been directly exposed to the virus.

Flu-like symptoms for several weeks or more

Swollen unexplained lymph nodes that remain swollen for at least 2 months.

Rashes or flaky skin

Persistent fatigue

Loss of appetite

Night sweats

Unexplained weight loss

Pain in bone and joints

Prevention of HIV

Major efforts have been introduced in most countries around the world to prevent HIV infection. The three main messages are;

Practise safer sex by using condoms in all forms of sexual contact with individuals outside of long term monogamous relationships. Remember that not all people infected with the HIV virus know about it!

Do not share needles or syringes.

Women who could have been in contact with the HIV virus, should get tested before becoming pregnant.

HIV Fact or Myth?

People who develop AIDS normally die within a few years
FACT - AIDS is a fatal disease for which there is no cure.

Blood tests can usually tell within a week if someone has been infected with the HIV virus
MYTH - There is an incubation period of 6 months, which means that it is impossible to tell if the person has been infected with HIV until 6 months have passed from the date of HIV contact.

People gets HIV from using the bathroom after someone with HIV does.
MYTH - HIV can only be transmitted through direct contact of body fluids.

HIV can be contracted if an insect stings a person that has previously bitten someone with HIV
MYTH - HIV is not spread through insect bites.

People can have the HIV virus and look and feel well
FACT - An HIV infected person can remain healthy for a long time until AIDS symptoms start appearing.

Kissing or touching someone who has HIV can give you the virus
MYTH - HIV does not spread through kissing or touching.

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Disclaimer:This web site is intended for educational purposes only and should not substitute for the care of a medically trained physician.

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