On December 1, World AIDS Day is celebrated, a disease that has killed more than 39 million people and that, still today, is highly stigmatized by society. The ignorance of the virus by a majority of the population causes that many myths about HIV have spread that are not true and that need to be clarified.

What is HIV?

The so-called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a microorganism that attacks our immune system, weakening it and causing us to be more vulnerable to certain infections. There are no specific symptoms of the virus, so the only way to confirm infection is by testing a blood sample for HIV.

HIV causes a disease that we know as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and which is characterized by a low level of defenses and the appearance of opportunistic infections against which the infected organism is unable to protect itself. This does not mean that people who are HIV positive have AIDS, since there are currently adequate treatments to prevent such people from developing the disease.

Myths about HIV

There are many false myths about the virus, most of them related to its transmission. The most common are:

• It is transmitted through sweat or saliva: the virus is transmitted through certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal discharge and breast milk. However, this does not happen with other fluids such as sweat, tears or saliva, so do not be afraid to shake hands or even kiss someone with HIV.
• It can be transmitted by sharing a bath or shower: the virus is unable to survive outside the living host, so there is no risk of contagion when sharing a shower or toilet. It can only be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, through blood transfusions (in underdeveloped countries), if infected syringes are shared, or during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
• It can be transmitted through blood transfusions: as we have just discussed, this can be a form of transmission, but only in countries with poor health systems. In developed countries, there have been no cases of HIV transmission through this route for more than two decades, since there is strict control that prevents it.
• The insect bites can transmit the virus: insects cannot transmit HIV because your stomach digests the virus. In addition, insects suck blood, but what they inject into the person they bite is saliva.

These myths, therefore, are totally false. Currently, people infected with HIV can lead a completely normal life, although logically they must take greater precautions if possible, in their sexual relations. Likewise, mothers who are infected should avoid breastfeeding, even if they are on antiretroviral treatment. During labor, the risk of contagion can be reduced by opting for a cesarean section as an alternative to natural childbirth.

Oral bacteria also thrive inside your cheeks and on your tongue, palate, tonsils, and gums. Your mouth is a great habitat for unicellular microorganisms. It’s constantly moist, has a fairly neutral pH, and a balmy temperature. But despite this perfect environment, not all the germs in your mouth stay put.

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