CSN-CommunityPost-Myths and facts about HIV and AIDS

Many misconceptions circulate about HIV that are harmful and stigmatizing for people with the virus. The following cannot transmit the virus:

• shaking hands
• hugging
• kissing
• sneezing
• touching unbroken skin
• using the same toilet
• sharing towels
• sharing cutlery
• mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or other forms of “casual contact”
• the saliva, tears, feces, and urine of a person with HIV

What are its Prevention?

To prevent contracting HIV, healthcare professionals advise precautions related to the following.

Sex using a condom or PrEP: Having sex without a condom or other preventive measures, such as PrEP, can drastically increase the risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms or PrEP during every sexual act with a person outside of a trusted relationship in which neither partner has HIV. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advise in their 2019 guidelines that doctors should only consider PrEP for people with recent negative results from an HIV test. They advise that those with a high risk of HIV, who are suitable for PrEP, should take it once a day.

Drug injection and needle sharing: Intravenous drug use is a key factor for HIV transmission in developed countries. Sharing needles and other drug equipment can expose users to HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis C. Certain social strategies, such as needle-exchange programs, can help to reduce the infections as a result of drug abuse. Recovering from a substance use disorder can improve health a quality of life for many reasons, but it can dramatically reduce potential exposure to HIV.

People using a needle to take medications should use a clean, unused, unshared needle.

Body fluid exposure: A person can limit their potential exposure to HIV by taking precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated blood. Healthcare workers should use gloves, masks, protective eyewear, shields, and gowns in situations where exposure to bodily fluids is a possibility. Frequently and thoroughly washing the skin immediately after coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the risk of infection. Healthcare works should follow a set of procedures known as universal precautions to prevent transmission.

Pregnancy: Certain antiretrovirals might harm an unborn fetus during pregnancy. However, an effective, well-managed treatment plan can prevent mother-to-fetus HIV transmission. Delivery through caesarean section may be necessary. Women who are pregnant but have HIV might also pass on the virus through their breast milk. However, regularly taking the correct regimen of medications greatly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus.

Education: Teaching people about known risk factors is vital to equip them with the tools to avoid exposure to HIV.

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"Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD on November 29, 2018 — Written by Adam Felman"