HIV and AIDS are the Same: HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system, and if left untreated, it can progress to AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immune system damage
AIDS is a Death Sentence:While there is currently no cure for HIV, advances in medical treatment, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), have transformed HIV/AIDS into a manageable chronic condition
HIV is Only Transmitted Through Sex:HIV can be transmitted through various means, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding, and through contaminated blood or blood products
You Can Get HIV from Casual Contact:HIV is not transmitted through casual contact. It is primarily spread through specific bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, breast milk, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
Only Certain Groups are at Risk:Anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle, can contract HIV. Risk factors include unprotected sex, sharing needles, and exposure to contaminated blood
HIV/AIDS is a Problem Only in Certain Regions:While the prevalence of HIV varies globally, the virus affects people worldwide. HIV/AIDS is a global health concern that requires attention and resources across regions and communities
There's a Vaccine for HIV:While research is ongoing, preventing HIV infection still relies on education, safe practices, and, where appropriate, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)