Over the past three decades, mistaken ideas about HIV/AIDS have sometimes caused people to behave in ways that make them more prone to being infected with the virus. Although we still have questions about HIV, researchers have learned a lot — enough to know that people who are HIV-positive aren’t dangerous or doomed. The myths and facts surrounding the disease has brought about its misconceptions which has led to stigmatization.
Learn about the myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and know their facts.
Also note that you cannot be infected with HIV by:
- Breathing the same air as someone who is HIV-positive
- Touching a toilet seat or doorknob handle after an HIV-positive person
- Drinking from a water fountain
- Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV-positive
- Sharing eating utensils with an HIV-positive person
- Using exercise equipment at a gym
You can get it from infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or mother’s milk.