Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is perhaps the most dreaded and daunting challenges looming over mankind in the 21st century, having caused an estimated 36 million deaths since its identification in 1981. It is the final stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV infection. HIV attacks the human body’s self-defense mechanism called the immune system which is responsible for the recognition and destruction of various pathogens like bacteria, viruses etc. With the protecting shield gone, human body becomes prone to various diseases like primary central nervous system lymphoma, tumors, cervical cancers etc. which ultimately proves fatal.
Unlike other diseases, AIDS not only destroys the health of the victim, but also has serious repercussions on his/her economic and social life. Since, unprotected sexual intercourse is a major transmitter of AIDS, there is a lot of stigma attached to it. Let us try to dispel some of the major myths attached to HIV/AIDS in the light of science and reasoning.
1. AIDS is character certificate
AIDS has a huge impact on society. As a source of discrimination, it is almost as potent as Racism. In popular perception, AIDS is almost synonymous to prostitution, philandering, promiscuity or drug-addiction (intravenous). The victims and their lifestyles are often judged and stigmatized. In several cases violence against AIDS victims is reported too.
Apart from unprotected sex, AIDS also spreads through contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, breast-feeding or delivery. The second stage of HIV infection also known as clinically asymptomatic stage lasts for an average of 10 years without showing any visible symptoms. Thus, people can live with HIV for years without knowing about it and transfer it to their partners even if they were in a monogamous relationship.
Religious bigots who tell you to condemn AIDS patients in the name of religion often forget the very first thing every faith in the world teaches us- compassion and mercy for the sick and ailing. Every person is entitled to a dignified and honorable treatment from the society and as a part of the 21st century world, we are democratically and morally obligated to ensure this.
2. AIDS is a death warrant
Well, this is definitely untrue and so is the belief that AIDS can be cured. As of now, there is no cure available for AIDS. Confused?? Let us try to analyze and debunk this myth.
HIV is a virus and thus, like other viruses infects a host cell and replicates itself. This way it can spread to billions of cells if not stopped. Thus, antiretroviral drug is given to the patient to slow down HIV reproduction and these drugs have to be taken throughout the course of one’s life. This is called antiretroviral therapy. But HIV shows swift genetic mutations and often develops resistance against the drug. So a combination of more than one drug is given to the patient to reduce the rate of resistance developed and this is called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART. These therapies can increase life expectancy of an infected person to near normal.
3. AIDS is a disease of the LGBT community
Moralists and religious purists have often used AIDS as a weapon to attack the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Political Commentator Jerry Falwell once said, “AIDS is not just God’s punishment for homosexuals, it is God’s punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.” At the time of the discovery of this pandemic, more gay men were found to be infected than straight men and that is probably when this myth originated. However, it can be attributed to the fact that homosexuals cannot procreate and thus, before the recognition of AIDS, there was no need for them to use contraceptives like condoms. And this is why, the disease spread faster in the queer community. But with increased awareness, LGBT community too is practicing safer sex and thus, is at no particular advantage or disadvantage with respect to its straight counterparts.
4. Hugging, kissing and sharing utensils with an aids victim can infect me
People often fear that sharing food or kisses with an AIDS victim would transfer the disease as these acts might involve exchange of saliva. Blood and saliva may come in contact inside our body due to bleeding gums or cuts and in the process, infected blood cells are released in saliva. However, the hypotonicity of saliva kills these infected white blood cells (lymphocytes) and prevents the multiplication of HIV. Many other body fluids and waste products like feces, nasal fluids, sweat, urine etc. do not carry HIV. And neither does a victim’s tear. So, the next time you see a sobbing AIDS victim, feel free to mop away his tears.
5. Mosquitoes are carrier of HIV
There are various reasons why mosquitoes cannot transfer HIV. Firstly, HIV can grow and replicate only on specialized cells found in humans. They can’t multiply inside a mosquito and are digested as food. Moreover, during the course of biting mosquitoes only inject saliva in human body as the canal used for sucking blood is separate from the injecting tube. We are extremely sorry Mosquitoes, it was just a misunderstanding!!