HIV and AIDS: Myths and Truths

Myths and Truths

There are many myths about HIV and AIDS. Take away your doubts, protect yourself and those you love.

1 - HIV e AIDS are the same thing

Myth - HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). However, there are many people who are seropositive (with the virus) who live for years without developing the syndrome and present their symptoms, such as prolonged fever, weight loss, lack of appetite, thinning hair.

There are reported between 33 thousand and 35 thousand new AIDS cases in the country per year. Regarding HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the estimate is that there are 630 thousand people infected.

2 - HIV can go through the kiss in the mouth

Truth - Although it is a true statement, according to the doctor, the possibility of being infected by the virus during the kiss is minimal and

exists only if you have a large wound in your mouth, such as after a tooth extraction surgery. An uncomfortable situation that, we can not agree, does not give us the conditions and the courage to change that kind of affection, does not it?

3 - Every child born with HIV has the virus

Myth - Babies born to HIV-positive mothers have 17% chances of being infected if the woman does not take the necessary prevention measures, according to the infectologist. When you follow them to the letter, the possibility drops to 0,5%.

During the prenatal period, every pregnant woman has the right and must carry out the HIV and AIDS test. When the problem is identified, the recommendations include the use of antiretroviral drugs, cesarean delivery and discontinuation of breastfeeding, replacing it with formula (infant formula) and other foods, depending on the child's age. "In normal delivery, the child has contact with the secretion of the vagina, which increases the risk of transmission."

4 - No one dies of Aids

Truth - The disease can make the person very weak, which opens space for other pathologies. These do have a chance to lead the infected to death. Therefore, the person does not die of Aids, but as a result of it.

5 - The use of a condom prevents the transmission of the virus

Truth - If the condom does not burst, is within its shelf life, stored properly and used properly, it prevents transmission. Research indicates that product breakdown is much more due to misuse than to structural failure.

Open the condom package carefully, never with your teeth or sharp objects that could damage it. Put it on your penis only when you are erect. Squeeze your tip to remove air and then unroll it to the base of the sexual organ. After ejaculation, remove it with the penis still erect, closing the opening with the hand to prevent the sperm from leaking. Never use it more than once.

Make sure it contains the complete identification of the manufacturer or importer. Observe the batch number and expiration date information and check that the packaging contains the certification symbol of the National Metrology Institute (Inmetro). Do not use condoms that have long been stored in muffled places such as trouser pockets, wallets, or car glove compartments, as they are more prone to breakage.

6 - Treating cocktails completely prevents the manifestation of the disease

Myth - The treatment prevents in most cases. But sometimes the medications may not have the expected effect in certain patients, or the wearer starts taking them too late and makes the process more difficult.

7 - The likelihood of a woman contracting HIV is greater than that of a man.

Truth - The woman is more vulnerable by staying longer in contact with sexual secretion. Sperm can still be found in the cervix of your uterus from 24 to 48 hours after intercourse.

8 - There are people immune to AIDS

Perhaps - Some prostitutes in Africa do not get the problem even without the use of condoms. They are being studied, but no conclusion has yet been reached on the possible immunity.

9 - The virus is transmitted only in sexual intercourse

Myth - HIV can also go through the sharing of needles and syringes; transfusion of contaminated blood; re-use of piercing objects with presence of blood or fluids with the virus; during normal labor.

11 - Non-sterile salon equipment passes HIV

Truth - Sharp-piercing objects with the presence of blood can transmit the virus, yes. Just wash them with soap and water to eliminate this risk.

12 - Having unprotected sex with someone infected means 100% chance of contracting the virus

Myth - Unprotected sex with someone infected offers 0,3% risk of contracting the virus, as the doctor said. "If you have a second relation, over to 0,6%; a third, to 0,9%, and so on. In cases of rape, the person becomes sensitized and the chance is greater. "

13- The risk group does not include adolescents and women over 50 years old

Myth - Anyone can have the disease, provided they have at risk behaviors, such as sexual intercourse (homo or heterosexual) with infected person and without the use of condoms; sharing of syringes and needles; transfusion of blood contaminated by HIV; re-use of puncture-sharp objects with presence of blood or fluids with the virus.

At the beginning of the epidemic, because AIDS mainly targeted homosexual men, injecting drug users and hemophiliacs, they were considered at-risk groups. Currently, there is talk of risk behavior, since the virus started to spread in general, without focusing on specific groups.

14- HIV patients must separate all their personal belongings from their relatives

Myth - The Aids virus can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. In this way, coexistence must be normal, without the need to separate belongings, but do not share piercing objects.

15 - The HIV carrier is not fit for the job market

Myth - HIV-positive people can live normally, maintaining the same physical, occupational and social activities as before diagnosis. The Department of STD, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, has stated that they have the right to keep their serological status in the workplace, as well as in admission examinations, periodicals or resignations.

If the fact that you have HIV is a reason for dismissal, the seek justice rights for being a victim of discrimination, provided evidence is provided. It may also propose labor proceedings, with an injunction, to be immediately reappointed to the position, with the payment of all salaries related to the period of their removal (monetarily corrected); and the request for moral indemnity and definitive annulment of the rescission act of the contract of employment.

If the dismissal is related to other reasons, such as unjustified continued absences and resigned position, there is no means of protection, as for any worker.

Note from the editor of Seropositive Web Site: Although it is true that kissing can transmit HIV and AIDS, a very specific situation is needed, as described in section number two of this tExact for this to happen. In my personal experience as a carrier of HIV and now AIDS, there has never been a transmission between me (HIV +) and a girl divergent (HIV-) serum.

Of course you should not go out there, as in the carnival, and kiss ten thousand mouths, because the carnival just, is life goes on.