2. WWhhaatt IIss HHIIVV??
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type
of virus called a retrovirus, which infects the
human immune system (the system in the body
which is in charge of fighting off illness).
• HIV may cause AIDS (a collection of diseases and
symptoms, or problems in the body) by eventually
killing the white blood cells, which a healthy body
uses to fight off disease.
3. MMyytthh :: GGeettttiinngg HHIIVV//AAIIDDSS iiss aa ddeeaatthh sseenntteennccee..
Fact:
Although HIV/AIDS has no cure, it can be treated.
There has been tremendous progress in treatment for
HIV over the years. A person living with HIV/AIDS can
now continue to live a strong and productive life for
many years.
4. MMyytthh:: II ccaann ggeett HHIIVV ffrroomm mmoossqquuiittooeess..
Fact:
Because HIV is spread through blood, people have
worried that biting or bloodsucking insects might
spread HIV. Several studies, however, show no
evidence to support this -- even in areas with lots of
mosquitoes and cases of HIV. When insects bite, they
do not inject the blood of the person or animal they
have last bitten. Also, HIV lives for only a short time
inside an insect.
5. MMyytthh :: HHIIVV ccaann bbee sspprreeaadd dduurriinngg ccoonnttaacctt wwiitthh
ssaalliivvaa,, ssuucchh aass tthhee sshhaarriinngg ooff uutteennssiillss..
Fact:
HIV may be found in saliva, but it is in too small in
amount to infect anyone.
6. MMyytthh :: HHIIVV iiss tthhee ssaammee aass AAIIDDSS..
Fact:
HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. A person is said to have AIDS
when his or her CD4 count drops below 200 or when he or she
has certain infections or cancers. A person can have HIV for
years without having AIDS. Having HIV does not mean you
have AIDS.
