Myths: Correcting the Misconceptions

Given the information previously provided and the statistics charts, it can be rightly concluded that HIV and Aids does not discriminate against race, creed, religion, sex or gender preference. Once it is passed on, its passed on.

Living with HIV or Aids, is no longer a death sentence, many people have lived with it for more than 10 years +.
This is not an encouragement for people to continue being irresponsible but to know that life doesn't end as seen by Tara's testimony (yesterday).

As promised today I choose to deliver some of the myths and misconceptions about Aids and HIV, so that we continue to be aware, be educated and break the walls of ignorance. I have chosen a few from what I deemed to be common misconceptions. At the same time. should you be interested, please click on the link at the end of a statement to obtain additional information.

I have HIV...I can't have children.This used to be true but not anymore. Women living with HIV can and do have families. While certain steps and precautions have to be taken, women can now have the families they always dreamed about. http://aids.about.com/od/toptenlists/tp/hivmyths.htm

We both have HIV...we don't need a condom. Not true. Experts are seeing more an more incidences of re-infection, making HIV treatment even more difficult. http://aids.about.com/od/toptenlists/tp/hivmyths.htm

People with HIV/AIDS look sickly. You cannot tell who has HIV by their looks, very much the same way as you can't tell where a person lives by his dressing. http://www.hpb.gov.sg/aids/page5.htm

Some common MYTHS regarding how a person can get HIV are by:

• sharing food with an infected person
• hugging an infected person
• insect bites or
• only from gays or drug users

Science has provided us with answers to these myths. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact. A person cannot get HIV by sharing food with an infected person or hugging an infected person. An insect bite will not transmit HIV. http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/hivinfectionsaids/hivi4616.html

Taking Immune Boosters or Vitamins Can Cure AIDS. There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS. While taking the correct doses of vitamin supplements, along with eating healthily, exercising, not smoking and drinking in moderation can help keep one healthier for longer, large doses of vitamins or immune boosters can compromise one's health. http://www.journaids.org/myths.php

You are probably tired of reading so let me introduce Dr Kuhn a specialist in the subject. Bear in mind that I do not agree with the some of the acts spoken, but the truth is it is happening, so let us not turn a blind eye



Although today's lesson has been short, it is not an indication that there is no more to be learnt, but that this has been food for thought. I hope that this information has opened your minds to the world we live in and once again, that we should not be closed minded to think that this may not affect you (indirectly or directly).

Please take care of your self. Tomorrow I will talk about the charities that are out there and what opportunities there are out to help, if you called to. We will also take a look at what others have done towards the cause.

May God bless you.