DRUG DISCOVERY:
HIV/AIDS
Misconceptions Surrounding HIV/AIDS
Many people believe this, but it is not true. HIV can be transmitted through many ways such as breastfeeding, drug injections, blood transfusions, organ/tissue transplants, working in healthcare, and unprotected sex. All these methods contain the act of sharing bodily fluids, which is the number one way in which the HIV virus is spread.
Infidelity, homosexuality, irresponsibility, and drug use usually do not result in a HIV/AIDS diagnosis. In some cases, they do, but if no one in the group is HIV positive, then there is no chance of transmitting the virus.
HIV/AIDS, in most cases, often does not end in death of an individual. Many drugs and treatments have been created to try and suppress the disease. At the moment, an HIV infection is considered a chronic infection, which means that although many live with the HIV virus in their bodies, the virus does not directly end their life.
When many people think about HIV/AIDs, they think of the stigmas and the misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS. Many of these were caused by the fear that emerged in the 80's, which accompanied the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The infographic on the left describes the myths that the masses believe about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, such as the belief that the epidemic is not as serious in the present. Other stigmas that encircle HIV/AIDS are:
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The disease is often associated with death.
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Behaviors that some people disapprove of, often result in an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.
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The HIV virus can only be transmitted through sexual intercourse.