Myths | Facts |
All sex workers have the HIV virus |
Sex workers like everyone else will be infected with HIV should they have unprotected sex. |
You can easily tell by looking at someone that they have HIV |
It’s very hard for people to know if they or someone else has HIV without being properly tested, very often there are no visible signs |
HIV infects poor people |
Rich, poor, old, young, black or white HIV will infect you should you have unsafe sex. |
HIV is transmitted through insect bites, toilet seats, kissing, hugging, touching and sharing utensils |
HIV is transmitted through blood, semen and other bodily fluids including breast milk. |
HIV + people cannot safely have children |
PMTCT program helps people to have HIV negative children |
HIV is a death sentence |
With proper treatment, we now expect people with HIV to live a normal life span. |
HIV always leads to AIDS |
Although HIV/AIDS has no cure, it can be treated. A person living with HIV/AIDS can now continue to live a strong and productive life for many years. |
If you test negative for HIV, you can have unprotected sex |
Having sex with no protection will expose you to HIV infection. |
If both partners have HIV, there’s no reason for a condom |
There are different strains of HIV. If a condom is not used during sexual contact, HIV-infected partners may exchange different types or strains of HIV. This can lead to re-infection, which will make the treatment of HIV infection more difficult. |
An HIV-positive person who receives antiretroviral treatment will not spread the virus. |
Antiretroviral therapy can reduce the amount of HIV in the body. However, HIV remains in the body and can be transmitted to others. |