India’s epidemic is concentrated among key populations, and the National AIDS Control Programme has made particular efforts to reach these high-risk groups with HIV interventions. Although India has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections by half since 2001, there still exists many stigmas, discrimination, and misinformation clouding HIV and AIDS in India. To begin with, due to lack of access to clinics or fear of being ostracised from their community, many refuse to take the test or the free anti-viral treatment. This lack of awareness only leads to the proliferation of this disease among the masses. It is therefore important to bust the common myths surrounding the topic, so we can lead toward a healthier and happier society.
December is HIV/AIDS awareness month, dedicated to spreading awareness about the virus and reducing its stigma. The campaign is to help those living with it and advocate for an urgent response to reduce its global impact. This is important because as per the latest HIV estimates report of 2019 published by the government of India, there are 23.49 lakh people living with the disease.
Here are some common myths about HIV/AIDS that propagate stigma and discrimination in society:
#1: It is a death sentence
Many assume that being infected with HIV means a shorter lifespan of frequent hospitalizations and full-time support. This is simply untrue. Most people infected with HIV go on to live an expected lifespan. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, a person with HIV with good access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can expect to live an average life span so long as they take their prescribed medications. With effective treatment, they can go on to live purposeful lives and form meaningful relationships with partners, friends, and families.
#2: Those diagnosed with this disease cannot have children safely
The most crucial thing an HIV-positive woman can do in order to prepare for pregnancy is to work with her doctor to start ART as soon as possible. Because the treatment has advanced so much, the risk of transmitting the disease to the unborn child can be as low as 1% or less if a woman takes her medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional every day throughout her entire pregnancy (including labor and delivery) and continues taking medicines for her baby for 4 to 6 weeks after birth.
Additionally, to lower the risk of transmitting the disease to the baby, the mother can opt for alternatives. These include opting for a C-section delivery and bottle-feeding with formula after the delivery.
It may also be possible for women who are HIV negative but want to become pregnant with a man who is positive to take a particular medicine to help reduce the risk of transmission to both them and their unborn baby. The risk of transmission is almost negligible for males who are taking their ART medication and have an undetectable viral load.
#3: You can tell if someone has it just by looking at them
Symptoms of being infected with HIV vary from individual to individual. For many, symptoms do not show up at all, making it impossible to tell if someone is HIV positive just by looking at them. An individual with this infection may exhibit signs and symptoms that are comparable to those of any other infection, such as fever, exhaustion, or general malaise. Additionally, the minor early symptoms typically disappear within a few weeks.
If antiretroviral drugs are introduced early on, the virus can be managed successfully. An individual who receives antiretroviral treatment for this disease early on is relatively healthy and is not much different from people with other chronic health conditions.
Moreover, the stereotypical symptoms that people often associate with this ailment are symptoms of complications that can arise from AIDS-related illnesses or complications.
With treatment and medications, those symptoms can be eliminated in an individual living with HIV, and they are likely to be as healthy as everyone else.
#4: Human Immunodeficiency Virus always leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
This illness can cause AIDS, but this does not necessarily mean that all HIV-positive people will also have AIDS. AIDS is a condition of immune system weakness that is accompanied by a decreased immunological response and opportunistic infections. And this is caused when HIV attacks the immune system. Yet, early HIV infection treatment reduces the risk of developing AIDS.
According to Dr. Richard Jimenez, a professor of public health at Walden University, “With current medicines, levels of HIV infection can be controlled and kept low, preserving a strong immune system for a long period and averting opportunistic infections and a diagnosis of AIDS.”
#5: I can easily manage it with drugs, so I don’t need to worry about it
According to the Center for Disease Control, HIV cannot be transferred through water, saliva, sweat, tears, sharing a bathroom or the same air, embracing, kissing, or shaking hands with an HIV-positive person. Only a few bodily fluids can spread the virus, including blood, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, and breast milk. As a result, it is frequently spread through sex, when no protection is used, or through the use of needles or syringes. If the mother does not have access to antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, the virus may also be transferred from mother to kid. This is why it is important to ensure that women who are positive throughout pregnancy not only get tested but also have access to and adhere to treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
During sex between an HIV-positive and an HIV-negative partner, condoms successfully stop the transmission. Antiretroviral drugs taken in conjunction with condoms increase protection.
It is essential for our safety, along with that of our partners, families and children that we take tests to check if we are infected with the virus. Practise compassion, and be kind to those with the condition by accepting them.
Advocating awareness regarding a stigmatized topic is essential, for it is only when people are aware that they will be less inclined to shame those living with the virus. It is essential to take adequate steps in this direction so we can create a better world with support, encouragement, and compassion.
This month, support foundations working with those with AIDS/HIV, and do your bit in breaking the stigma. Join DocVita in raising awareness! Consult a medical expert from the comfort of your home on DocVita!