HIV has been subject to several discussions both in Kenya and the world at large. However, it has also unfortunately created a social stigma and an aura of mystery amongst the uninformed and the misinformed members of the society in equal measure.
Wikipedia describes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a lentivirus, a subgroup of retrovirus, that causes HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
AIDS is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. In this article we aim to point out the various myths that are associated with the HIV virus:
1. Having HIV automatically means you have AIDS
This is simply the most widespread myth. HIV is a virus that destroys the body's CD4 immune cells, which help fight disease. Early detection and taking the right medication can hinder its progression to AIDS for quite sometime
2. Casual contact does spread HIV
This is a classic misrepresentation propagated to enhance stigma. You can't catch or spread HIV from hugging someone, using the same towel, or sharing the same glass.
3. HIV is a life sentence
This is just not true. Given the enhanced HIV drugs available, lots of infected people have managed their viral load and prevented its progression to AIDS. Correct medication is the key to having a normal life span.
4. "I'll know when I get it"
Some people can go for years after infection without displaying any signs of HIV. The only way to tell if you have HIV is by getting tested.
5. Infected people have no need of practicing safe sex
This couldn't be farther from the truth. Safe sex can protect you from other sexually transmitted infections as well as other strains of HIV which could be resistant to anti-HIV medication. Furthermore, even with medication you still can infect others.