Myths are preconceptions regarding various health-related and social issues, such as HIV/AIDS. The perpetuation of these myths creates stigma: a form of discrimination that targets certain groups of people. Stigmas surrounding similar prominent issues may cause inadequate care, exclusion, progression of the disease, and more. In 2021, around 21% of people with HIV were denied health care due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Similarly, misconceptions have also been shown to reduce employment rates, access to education, and other services for people living with HIV. It is important to debunk these myths and raise awareness regarding this issue, so here are four common myths surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Myth: HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through mosquito bites
Although HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through the transfer of blood from one person to another, mosquitoes cannot transmit the infection. A study explained that HIV cannot survive without a host and becomes 90-99% less infectious within a couple of hours outside the body (Hollimon, 2022). Furthermore, the virus is only present in mosquitos for 1-2 days. During the time it is present, the virus is not reinjected into another person (Bockarie and Paru, 1996)
Myth: There is no way to recover from HIV; it can only lead to AIDS and death
Available treatments, including antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), have successfully been able to control the virus and slow its progression, allowing people to live without being severely affected. ARTs typically include different types of drugs to prevent the spread of HIV in and between people. Studies have shown that an earlier diagnosis and implementation of ARTs can further control HIV and the onset of AIDS. One study showed that patients diagnosed with HIV and who received continuous treatments were 75.1% more likely to survive (Manosuthi et al., 2021).
Subsequently, the efficacy of available treatments is constantly being improved further to increase the quality of life for HIV/AIDS patients. There are also more treatments, /therapies, and possible cures in development to eradicate HIV/AIDS.
Myth: It is easy to tell if someone has HIV/AIDS
Common symptoms of HIV/AIDS include fever, coughs, sore throat, aches, swollen lymph glands, and more. HIV/AIDS may be harder to diagnose in earlier stages due to the similarities shared with other diseases/illnesses. In addition, there are no visible symptoms that indicate HIV specifically. It is commonly diagnosed through blood tests, ELISA tests, saliva tests, viral load tests, western blot tests, or home tests.
Myth: Certain groups of people may be more susceptible to HIV/AIDS
Despite the possible interpretation of statistics available, everyone is equally susceptible to HIV/AIDS despite how they identify their sexuality and gender, their age, and their country of residence. People who are more at risk include those with a history and exposure to STIs, those who share tools like needles (injection tools), and those who engage in intercourse without taking precautions.
Due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, people have been reluctant to receive and provide essential services. One of the many goals set by UNAIDS (2021) is to target discrimination by directly reducing the stigma and bias experienced by people with HIV/AIDS to >10% before 2025. Multiple projects are in place to reduce these misconceptions and educate the public to achieve their goals. Similarly, at McMaster, MacCANFAR has contributed by raising awareness through social media and events hosted throughout the school year.
References
Anna Schaefer. (2018). 9 Myths About HIV/AIDS. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/misconceptions-about-hiv-aids
Bockarie, M. J., & Paru, R. (1996). Can mosquitoes transmit AIDS? Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal, 39(3), 205–207.
Contributors, W. E. (n.d.). Common Myths About HIV and AIDS. WebMD. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/top-10-myths-misconceptions-about-hiv-aids
HIV.gov (n.d.). HIV and AIDS Treatment Overview. HIV.Gov. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/hiv-treatment-overview
Hollimon, N. (n.d.). How Long Can HIV Live Outside Your Body? WebMD. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/hiv-live-outside-body
Manosuthi, W., Charoenpong, L., & Santiwarangkana, C. (2021). A retrospective study of survival and risk factors for mortality among people living with HIV who received antiretroviral treatment in a resource-limited setting. AIDS Research and Therapy, 18(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-021-00397-1
NIH. (2021). What factors make HIV more likely?. Https://Www.Nichd.Nih.Gov/. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/hiv/conditioninfo/factors
UNAIDS. (2021). HIV and stigma and discrimination—Human rights fact sheet series 2021. https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/07-hiv-human-rights-factsheet-stigma-discrmination_en.pdf
USCF Health. (n.d.). HIV Diagnosis. Ucsfhealth.Org. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/Conditions/HIV/Diagnosis
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