World's Aids Day: 8 myths about AIDS
Myth 1: HIV infection = HPV infection?
HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus is human immunodeficiency virus, which refers to viruses.
AIDS (AIDS / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which refers to symptoms.
HIV infection is mainly divided into 3 stages:
Acute HIV Infection (acute HIV infection)
Chronic HIV Infection (chronic HIV infection)
AIDS (AIDS)
When the number of CD4+ cells in the body is less than 200 cells/mm3, or opportunistic infection occurs, it is called AIDS.
To put it simply, if you are infected with the HIV virus, you can only be diagnosed with AIDS after developing the disease. However, it's important to note that even if you do not develop the disease, you can still be contagious as long as there is a certain amount of the virus present in your body.
Myth 2: AIDS is a terminal disease and people with HIV will die early?
As long as the infected person receives immediate, long-term and regular drug treatment, AIDS is a "controllable chronic disease" rather than a terminal illness.
According to statistics, after taking medicine regularly for 3 to 6 months, the virus will be almost "undetectable", the resistance will increase significantly, and you can have a normal quality of life, have sex, and even have children. They have children and their life span is about the same as that of ordinary people.
Myth 3: You cannot get HIV from a single sex partner?
You are monosexual ≠ The other person’s monosexual.
If *one of the parties* has had sexual relations with two or more people, they are polyamorous.
If one party is infected and the other party mistakenly judges themselves to be a "low-risk" person, they will delay seeking medical treatment.
Safe sex + regular HIV testing is the safest approach.
Myth 4: AIDS-affected couples cannot have children?
Incorrect!
If the man is an HIV patient:
1. Artificial insemination (in vitro fertilization) can be used, as the sperm will go through a "semen washing" process after collection.
2. Cocktail therapy can reduce the HIV virus to undetectable levels, making it safe to have sex.
3. If the woman takes pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) orally for 21 consecutive days before trying to conceive, it can provide double protection.
If the woman is an HIV patient:
Mother-to-child transmission can occur via three pathways: infection through the placenta during pregnancy, infection through the birth canal during delivery, and infection through breastfeeding after delivery.
To avoid transmission, it is important to:
1. Actively control the virus during pregnancy and before conception.
2. During delivery, medical staff should take precautions to avoid any procedures that may cause damage.
3. Instead of breastfeeding, use formula to feed the baby.
Myth 5: Gay men are more likely to get AIDS?
Anyone who engages in unsafe sex has a chance of contracting HIV, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Myth 6: HIV cannot be transmitted through oral sex?
While oral sex does have lower risks than other forms of sexual intercourse, there is still a chance of infection.
If you have oral ulcers, bleeding gums, genital sores, or other sexually transmitted diseases, and engage in unprotected oral sex, the risk of viral infection is greatly increased.
To minimize the risk, using a barrier method such as an oral sex mask is recommended.
Myth 7: Can HIV be transmitted by living with an infected person?
HIV is primarily transmitted through specific routes, including (1) unprotected sex, (2) sharing needles or injection tools with an infected person, and (3) mother-to-child vertical transmission.
The amount of HIV present in feces, urine, saliva, tears, sweat, and other bodily fluids is extremely low and not enough to cause infection. Therefore, living with an infected person (which includes activities like eating together, sharing toilets, hugging, and shaking hands) generally does not pose a risk of HIV transmission.
Myth 8: Negative test result = no HIV infection?
After being infected with HIV, it takes some time for HIV antibodies to develop in the blood, resulting in a negative test result during the "window period". This period can last up to 23-90 days after exposure.
To confirm that you are not infected with HIV, you will need to:
(1) Have a negative test result during the first window period
(2) Have no risk of virus exposure during the window period, and a negative test result during the second window period
If you have any risk of virus exposure during the window period, it is important to get tested again.
Where I can do free testing?
There are different organizations in Hong Kong that provide free and anonymous STD testing, and home testing kits are also available for purchase.
Facilities offering free STD testing:
再思社區健康組織 (C.H.O.I.C.E.);
關懷愛滋 (AIDS Concern) (Free testing for women is limited to 25 years old or below, but there is no limit for men)
Remember to get checked regularly!
