BY LEE ANN B. MARINO

December 1st marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. For those unfamiliar with the observance, World AIDS Day serves to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. It exists to help dispel common myths about HIV/AIDS as well as the stigmas that surround the disease. It is also a day of remembrance for those who have died as a result of the worldwide pandemic. According to the World AIDS Day page at hiv.gov:

“Through remembrance, we draw strength and determination to redouble our efforts in fighting the disease and providing support to those with HIV. It’s time to remind ourselves of the importance of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the face of adversity.”

Recently I received an email request to add a link to Sanctuary’s “resources” page. The page supposedly contained health information geared for the LGBTQ+ community. Upon a review of the page, it cited several long-held myths, especially those relevant to HIV/AIDS. It surprised and didn’t surprise me at the same time. It seems like no matter how many years go by, there is a certain level of mythology woven around HIV infection. And now, as it doesn’t get as much notoriety as it once did, the myths about HIV infection seem more pervasive than ever before.

As an HIV educator and rapid testing certified HIV counselor, there’s no better way to acknowledge World AIDS Day than promoting proper information about HIV. The more we speak truth, the more we dispel fear. So here, we will discuss seven common myths about HIV/AIDS and provide correct information in their place.

HIV/AIDS myth #1: AIDS is different from HIV

HIV stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus.” Minus the big word in the diagnosis, HIV attacks a person’s immune system by destroying CD4 blood cells. These cells work to protect the body from invading pathogens; thus, HIV destroys the body’s natural ability to fight off infection. As the infection progresses, HIV infected cells replicate and replace healthy cells. Individuals with HIV face the possibility of serious illness from something a normal immune system would easily fight.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/leadershiponfire/2023/11/addressing-seven-common-myths-about-hiv-aids/