HIV has been at the forefront of society and the media for several decades. It is an infection that attacks the human immune system, slowly weakening its ability to defend itself against other infections and diseases. Eventually there becomes a point where HIV can damaged the defence systems so much that the body can no longer fight against diseases – at this stage the carrier now has AIDS.
Like many sexually transmitted diseases there is much misconception and incorrect myths as to how HIV can be passed from person to person.
It is untrue to say that HIV can be passed on through kissing, sitting on the toilet or sharing a bath with an infected person.
HIV is spread through unprotected sex, sharing of syringes and blood-to-blood contact with a carrier.
Another fable is that people can 'catch' AIDS. This is untrue as AIDS is a medical condition following on from HIV.
Spotting symptoms is almost impossible as having something as innocuous as the cold or flu may have actually been brought on by a weakened immune system due to HIV. Getting tested at a local clinic is the only way to find out if you are infected.
Currently there is no known cure for HIV or AIDS but drugs are available to prolong the effects of HIV, sometimes giving carriers a substantially longer time to live.