World AIDS Day is noticed yearly on December 1 and the day goals to lift consciousness about AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) – a situation attributable to HIV an infection which has killed lakhs of individuals globally through the years. AIDS is the late stage of HIV that happens when the physique’s immune system is badly broken due to the virus. Therefore well timed prognosis and remedy of HIV can save lives. When it involves AIDS and HIV, a number of myths abound. On World AIDS Day 2023, Dr Honey Savla, Internist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, busts some vital myths about HIV-AIDS.
World AIDS Day 2023: Popular Myths Busted
“HIV-AIDS continues to be a global health challenge, affecting millions of lives and prompting ongoing efforts to educate and raise awareness. Despite the progress made in understanding and managing the virus, persistent myths and misconceptions contribute to stigma and hinder effective prevention and treatment efforts,” shares Dr Honey Savla. Dr Savla busts the next misconceptions in regards to the an infection:
Myth 1: HIV/AIDS could be transmitted by way of informal contact
Fact: HIV is primarily transmitted by way of particular bodily fluids, equivalent to blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is just not unfold by way of informal contact like hugging, shaking arms, or sharing utensils. Understanding the modes of transmission is essential to combating the stigma related to HIV-positive people.
Myth 2: You can contract HIV from mosquito bites
Fact: HIV can’t be transmitted by way of mosquito bites. The virus is fragile and can’t survive in bugs. The solely recognized modes of transmission are by way of unprotected sexual activity, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission throughout childbirth or breastfeeding.
Myth 3: HIV/AIDS solely impacts particular teams of individuals
Fact: HIV/AIDS can have an effect on anybody, no matter age, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic standing. While sure populations could also be at greater danger on account of particular behaviours, the virus doesn’t discriminate. It is crucial to advertise inclusivity in consciousness campaigns and eradicate stereotypes related to HIV/AIDS.
Myth 4: HIV-positive people can not lead wholesome lives
Fact: With developments in medical remedy, folks residing with HIV can lead wholesome, fulfilling lives. Antiretroviral remedy (ART) helps management the virus, permitting people to keep up a traditional life expectancy and scale back the chance of transmitting HIV to others. Early prognosis and correct medical care are essential for managing the virus successfully.
Also Read: World AIDS Day: History, Significance, Theme – Difference Between AIDS And HIV
Myth 5: You can inform if somebody has HIV/AIDS by their look
Fact: HIV/AIDS doesn’t have a particular “look.” People residing with the virus might seem wholesome, and signs can range broadly. Relying on look to find out somebody’s HIV standing perpetuates stigma and discrimination. Regular testing, open communication, and training are important for selling understanding.
Myth 6: HIV is a dying sentence
Fact: Contrary to the parable that an HIV prognosis is a dying sentence, developments in medical science have remodeled the prognosis for people residing with the virus. Proper medical care, early prognosis, and entry to antiretroviral remedy (ART) can successfully handle the virus, permitting people to steer wholesome lives. With remedy, folks residing with HIV can have a traditional life expectancy and scale back the chance of transmitting the virus to others.
“Dispelling myths surrounding HIV/AIDS is vital for fostering accurate knowledge and creating a supportive environment for those affected. Education plays an important role in reducing stigma, encouraging regular testing, and promoting safe behaviours. By understanding the facts, we can work towards a world where everyone has access to information and resources needed to prevent, manage, and ultimately eradicate HIV/AIDS,” says Dr Savla.
Difference Between HIV And AIDS
HIV (Human immunodeficiency viruses) might trigger an an infection whereas AIDS is a situation. AIDS is acquired solely after the contraction of HIV, however not all HIV instances turn into AIDS. In AIDS, your immune system is severely weakened. You cannot develop AIDS with out contracting HIV. But as specialists level out, medical science’s progress has ensured that individuals contaminated with HIV, with correct and well timed prognosis and remedy, can lead full lives.
Source: zeenews.india.com
