The truth behind five myths we still believe about HIV and Aids

Any mention of HIV and Aids brings to mind the global epidemic that began in 1981 and resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of people around the world.

But since then, science has made leaps and bounds in the treatment for HIV and Aids. It’s no longer the death sentence it was once, and much has changed both medically and socially.

However, there are a number of prevailing misconceptions about HIV and Aids that still exist. The Terrence Higgins Trust warns that these myths can stop people from getting tested for HIV, accessing the right treatment, and from living well with HIV.

It’s important to stay educated about HIV and Aids, particularly as the disease is on the rise in the UK. According to HIV surveillance data for 2023, published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in October, the number of HIV diagnoses in England have increased by 15% from 2,451 in 2022 to 2,810 in 2023.

HIV testing in sexual health centres overall increased in 2023 compared to the year before, but remains lower than before the COVID pandemic. The UKHSA emphasised that regular HIV testing is vital to prevent new infections.

As we observe World Aids Day, here are X myths about HIV and AIDS that persist today – and the truth behind them.

Myth: HIV and Aids are the same thing

Truth: These are not the same thing. HIV is the name of a virus, while Aids is the name for the late stage of HIV. Unless you are already HIV positive, you cannot get Aids.

Many people who have HIV will never get Aids thanks to advances in HIV treatment that have transformed it into a long-term manageable condition.

Myth: HIV is a death sentence

Truth: Advances in HIV treatment now allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives, if they are on treatment.

HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines, which work by stopping the virus from replicating in the body and allowing the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage.

While there is no cure for HIV, these treatments can be very effective and most people with HIV on treatment can expect to live as long as people who don’t have HIV.

Truth: New research from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor reveals that 76% of Britons aren’t aware there is a “testing window” for HIV.

This means that testing too early could lead to false results. The “window” can range between 45 to 90 days after exposure to HIV. However, more advanced tests can be done as soon as 45 days after exposure.

Dr Bhavini Shah said: “If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Exposure usually happens through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, however it can also happen during oral sex. You might also be exposed to HIV by sharing needles or other injecting equipment.

“Within the first 72 hours of exposure, it’s possible to prevent infection by taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This is available from sexual health and GUM clinics, as well as hospital A&E departments, although it’s normally only prescribed to people who are considered high risk.”

Myth: HIV only affects gay men

Truth: HIV can affect anyone of any age, sexuality, ethnicity, and gender. According to the Terrence Higgins Trust, around half of people living with HIV in the UK are gay and bi men, and the other half are heterosexual people.

The recent data from the UKHSA revealed that the number of heterosexual men and women newly diagnosed in England with HIV has increased by more than 30% since 2022.

Dr Tamara Djuretic, co-head of HIV at UKHSA, said: “HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation, so please get regularly tested and use condoms to protect you and your partners’ health. An HIV test is free and provides access to HIV PrEP if needed. If you do test positive, treatment is so effective that you can expect to live a long healthy life and you won’t pass HIV on to partners.

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Myth: HIV can be passed through kissing

Truth: HIV is not transmitted through saliva. Saliva, sweat and urine do not contain enough of the virus to infect another person, the NHS explains.

The body fluids that contain enough HIV to infect someone are:

The main ways the virus enters the blood stream include injecting with needles that have been shared with other people; through the thin lining on or inside the anus, vagina and genitals; through the thin lining of the mouth and eyes; through cuts and sores on the skin.

Read more about sexually transmitted infections: