HIV misconception: Does it always mean AIDS? Using condoms doesn't prevent HIV?

Myths and reality of HIV infections: Modern HIV tests are highly accurate, and false positives are very rare. (Image: Canva)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. Without treatment, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, enabling individuals to lead healthy lives and reducing the risk of transmission.

Here are myths and reality of HIV according to Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant-internal medicine at CK Birla hospital, Delhi.

Myth: HIV is transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food and drinks.

Reality: HIV is primarily spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Myth: Only certain groups, like gay men or sex workers, can get HIV.

Reality: Anyone who engages in risky behaviours can get HIV, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or profession.

Myth: HIV is a death sentence.

Reality: With antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment, people living with HIV can manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.

Myth: HIV tests are inaccurate.

Reality: Modern HIV tests are highly accurate, and false positives are very rare.

Myth: Using condoms doesn't prevent HIV transmission.

Reality: Consistent condoms use significantly reduces the risk.

It's essential to educate ourselves and others about HIV and its transmission to dispel these myths and reduce the stigma around the condition, suggests Dr Singhla.

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a condition that develops when HIV has severely weakened the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.

In other words, HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated or unmanaged.

Here's a rough outline of the stages according to Dr Singhla.

HIV infection (initial stage)
Asymptomatic HIV (no symptoms, but HIV is present)
Symptomatic HIV (mild symptoms appear)
Advanced HIV (severe symptoms and immune system decline)
AIDS (most advanced stage, with severe immune system damage)

Treatment and management of HIV can slow or stop progression to AIDS, and many people with HIV live long, healthy lives.