Some people at school were talking recently about sex, and I heard some pretty silly things. One person – who will remain unnamed – told a friend of mine that he didn’t use condoms much – didn’t like how they felt. He said he took Emergen-C after sex, so of course he’d be fine! Another person said that their “immune system was pretty awesome”, so they didn’t worry too much.
So just thought I’d post some common HIV/AIDS myths – stuff post people (should) probably already know.
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I can get HIV from mosquito bites.
–Even though mosquitoes bite you and HIV is spread through fluids like blood, they don’t inject another person’s blood inside you. Plus apparently HIV doesn’t last too long in insects.
I can get HIV from sharing food/drinks.
–Evidence shows that HIV/AIDS can’t be shared through touch, sweat, saliva, etc. If you breathe the same air, you’ll be fine. If you drink from the same water fountain, you won’t catch it. If you share utensils, you won’t get it. That being said, you CAN get infected through blood, semen, etc. Don’t do something stupid like share needles or shake hands if you’re both covered in blood.
Oral sex can’t get me infected.
–It can, unfortunately. While oral sex is less risky, having oral sex with a man or woman who is HIV-positive leaves a chance to catch the virus yourself.
I can’t get AIDS from getting a tattoo/piercing.
–If the place you go to doesn’t sterilize their equipment and tools properly, then it’s a possibility. Ask questions and do the research – you’ll be happy you did.
I’m not gay, so I can’t get HIV.
–HIV is a disease that affects ANYONE, regardless of sexual preference.
My partner also has HIV, so we don’t need to be safe.
–Not true! There are different types, or strains, of HIV. You don’t want to be infected with a new one that is maybe resistant to drugs or treatment!
HIV is AIDS.
–HIV is a virus that kills your CD4/T-Cell count, or the cells that help fight against disease. When your CD4 count goes below 200, a person is said to have AIDS. Someone can live for a lifetime with HIV and never have it fully develop into AIDS.
I have HIV – I’m going to die.
–You’re not going to die. People living with HIV/AIDS are living longer today than ever before. There are new treatment programs and medications being researched and developed constantly. While there isn’t a cure quite yet, many are hopeful and antiretroviral drugs are improving every day.
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What does all this tell us?
Be safe, use a condom!
