5 Common AIDS/HIV Myths That Need to be Busted

Since 1988, December 1 of each year is designated World AIDS Day. It's a global health day dedicated to increase awareness and education among people around the world about AIDS and HIV. It serves as a constant reminder that the disease still exists along with misunderstanding about the disease that could lead to more infection. Here are just 5 myths that need to be dispelled about AIDS and HIV.

Myth #1 - Men can't get HIV from women

This is totally incorrect. Although men infected with HIV can more easily pass the disease on to a woman, HIV can also be passed from an infected women to a man. Make no mistake about this.

Myth #2 - Straight people who don't use drugs will never get HIV

While leading a risky lifestyle, including the use of drugs and homosexual behavior, increases the risk of getting HIV, this does not preclude others from getting it. About 78 percent of HIV-positive women and 16 percent of HIV-positive men became infected through heterosexual contact.

Myth #3 - People being treated for HIV can't spread the virus to others

Not true. HIV treatments reduce the amount of virus in the blood but can't prevent it from showing up in other areas where it might be hiding even during treatment.

Myth #4 - You can't get HIV from oral sex

Yes you can. It may be less of a risk but you can definitely get HIV from a man or a woman who is HIV-positive by having oral sex.

Myth #5 - Being HIV-positive is a death sentence

This was more true years ago when AIDS and HIV was first discovered. But research and advanced treatment today with antiretroviral drugs have enabled more AIDS and HIV-positive people to live much longer and more productive lives.