HIV/AIDS: myths and misconceptions

In the past, people have had good reason to be afraid of "catching" diseases. Although they had many explanations about why people became ill and died, they did not know what caused a disease, or how to avoid it. Now, we have the benefit of science to provide us with answers. We now know how to prevent HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. However, myths and misconceptions continue to develop.

Some common MYTHS regarding how a person can get HIV are by:

• sharing food with an infected person
• hugging an infected person
• insect bites or
• only from gays or drug users

Science has provided us with answers to these myths. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact. A person cannot get HIV by sharing food with an infected person or hugging an infected person. An insect bite will not transmit HIV.

The highest increases in new HIV infections are in black men, women, heterosexuals, and teens. HIV is not limited to gays or drug users. It does not discriminate as to age, sex, race, or sexual orientation. Most of the new cases of HIV and AIDS are due to sexual contact between a man and woman. It is important to realize that people can be infected with HIV and not even know they are infected.

HIV is passed to others by:

• direct intimate contact with HIV-infected body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen
• having oral sex with an HIV-positive partner
• an HIV-infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
• having sexual intercourse without a latex or plastic condom with an HIV-positive partner and
• HIV-contaminated needles from drug use, tattoos, or body piercing

Take the time to know the facts, and share these facts with your friends and loved ones. The spreading of HIV is completely preventable, if we all take personal responsibility.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4616.RF2 VRS# 4616 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.