HIV is a significant epidemic throughout the globe, having taken hundreds of thousands of individuals in its grasp. The one motive why this nonetheless stays a taboo matter is lack of understanding. Individuals have many misconceptions about this situation that stops them from speaking about HIV not to mention looking for remedy. Lots of people have no idea the fundamentals like the truth that HIV and AIDS are totally different. Or that untreated HIV could result in AIDS.
We spoke to Dr Monalisa Sahu, Advisor Infectious Illnesses, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, to uncover the various myths surrounding the illness.
Delusion 1: HIV Can Unfold By way of Bodily Contact
Lately, a case in Uttar Pradesh got here into the limelight the place a pregnant lady misplaced her baby as docs refused to take care of her as a result of she was HIV constructive. She remained ignored for hours after she went into labour as a result of docs felt they could get the an infection upon touching her. It is a stage of ignorance that’s astounding coming from medical professionals.
HIV is a non-communicable illness. One can get HIV-positive solely after coming in direct contact with physique fluids which have traces of blood. An individual will get HIV in sure circumstances like by way of sexual activity, shared needles with contaminated blood, from unmedicated pregnant mom to child within the womb, by way of breastfeeding, and direct contact with contaminated blood.
Delusion 2: HIV doesn’t require drug remedy till the individual may be very sickÂ
The very fact is even newly contaminated people ought to begin remedy early on to guard their immune system. Maintaining them virally suppressed is not going to solely shield them however can even shield their households and companions. Individuals on HIV remedy have been responding effectively to remedy, and are 96% much less more likely to go on HIV to their companions.
Delusion 3: Pregnant and HIV constructive moms will all the time transmit it to their infants
The very fact is that if a pregnant lady is HIV constructive, the infant is not going to essentially develop into contaminated. Offering antiretroviral medication to guard and stop mom to baby transmission have been very profitable. Sperm washing and synthetic insemination can additional lower the chance.
Delusion 4: HIV is identical as AIDSÂ
The truth is HIV is the virus that causes the illness, which can result in AIDS in just a few instances, the place applicable remedy will not be initiated early sufficient. With the proper remedy, HIV constructive individuals can lead their total lives with out getting AIDS, which is the ultimate stage of the illness when the physique’s immune system is severely broken.Â
Delusion 5: If one is recognized with HIV, their lifespan can be decreased
With the provision of the extremely efficient antiretroviral remedy, the life-span of those people is sort of at par with everybody else. Remedy for HIV has improved dramatically over time. If compliant with the suitable drugs, they will lead an nearly regular life with no indicators and signs for a lot of the a part of their life-span.Â
These are a number of the strangest myths that lots of people nonetheless imagine about HIV. It’s essential to unfold consciousness to cut back the chance of HIV and AIDS in addition to to assist individuals search needful remedy.
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