subject: Hiv And The Myths That Follow [print this page] Myths are associated with everythingMyths are associated with everything. Many a times, these myths govern the ways in which the society responds to them. HIV is something that has a deep impact on the social status of an individual and hence as a consequence, a number of myths are associated with it. The origin of this disease is associated with the chimpanzees although some still believe that it was a creation of the intelligence group of the American forces to reduce the minorities to dust.
The number of myths associated cannot all be elaborated, but some of them form by far the most hilarious and the most stupid ones.
Intentional filling of HIV positive blood: This myth says that there are people stalking in the hospitals where they intentionally place HIV positive syringes targeting innocent people who fall prey to it thereby increasing the number of HIV patients in the country. The aim of such freaks is to create panic and mass spread of disease. Blood drops, if found, at the various public places are also made to be a part of this myth.
Gay? Liable to HIV: If you are a homosexual, you are bound to get HIV positive sometime or the other. This is one myth that has been prevalent for ages and simply refuses to go away. It is to be understood that any form of sex can result in HIV if anyone of the partners is positive. Anal sex is full of risks, but so are the other forms.
Mosquitoes: These insects are hungry for blood and suck it out of the victim, not induce it. This makes getting HIV infection close to impossible. However, this fact is just the opposite of what the myth says. According the myths about HIV, getting HIV from mosquitoes is possible if it has bitten a human being positive.
HIV infection's cure - Bleach: Many believe that HIV can be cured if bleach is swallowed on time. Even though the people are advised to use bleach with medical instruction as disease control, swallowing it would result in complexities in the human body further aggravating the situation and causing much damage uncalled for. Mainly believed by the youngsters, this situation has resulting in many doctors working overtime to reduce the problem.
Infertility with HIV: Many believe that with HIV, the women has the chances of acquiring infertility and hence any chances of having a baby is lost. Although the chances of the child being born HIV positive are close to 20%, there are absolutely no cases where a woman has been affected by fertility problems. Miscarriages are a separate issue and are altogether a different phenomenon.
Anyone who has a little knowledge about HIV could clearly reject the above said myths, but it is for the others to realize that these myths are of no relevance to the actual problem of HIV. Following them under influence of others blindly would only result in much hardship for you and your loved ones. The need of the hour is to seek medical attention when required and read manuals and journals with respect to HIV to understand it completely.
