3 widespread myths about HIV-positive patients
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is considered one of the scariest sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world. This is because there is no cure for the virus, and it can develop into the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is painful and life-threatening. While protecting ourselves against HIV is important, we should also better understand the situations that face HIV-positive patients – especially our internalised myths about the virus. In this article, we will explore three common myths about HIV patients, and elaborate on how we can create a more empathetic environment for those living with the virus.
Myth #1: All HIV-positive patients are promiscuous
Because HIV is an STD, many people assume that HIV-positive patients come into contact with the disease due to the fact that they have a lot of sex with many different partners. This is not always the case. While it is true that HIV is mostly transmitted during sexual encounters, it is important to note that HIV can only be transmitted through sexual fluids (i.e. seminal and vaginal fluids) contacting a tissue that connects directly to the bloodstream. Oral sex typically does not transmit HIV unless there are cuts or sores in the mouth of one party. This means that only unprotected penetrative sex will allow for the transmission of HIV. Some HIV-positive patients, who find out about their status at an STD clinic in Singapore, are infected with the virus while in a monogamous relationship as their lone sexual partner contacted the virus elsewhere. Some patients are infected when they are raped. Some get infected when they share needles when using drugs. As such, you should not immediately assume someone is promiscuous when you find out they are HIV-positive.
Myth #2: HIV is a ‘death sentence’
This myth stemmed from the time when the virus was first discovered, and people were falling incredibly ill due to the virus. Back then, medicines were not available for HIV-positive patients, and people who were infected had to suffer as their bodies were slowly deteriorated by the virus.
Today, however, medicines have been developed to help suppress the virality of the virus. This, however, does not mean that the virus can be cured. Instead, what this means is that the virus can be suppressed – patients, after being tested positive at an HIV testing clinic in Singapore, can go on medication, so they will not develop AIDS as quickly. The medicine will also help keep HIV-positive people from spreading the virus further. With advancements in medical technology and HIV medications, HIV-positive patients can live normal lifespans after being infected. It is definitely no longer a ‘death sentence’ just to be infected with HIV.
Myth #3: HIV-positive patients live an impaired life
While HIV-positive patients do need to take note of the risk of more physically strenuous activities, they can actually go about their daily lives as a normal individual. They can still participate normally in exercise, and can work like a normal employee. Contracting HIV is very much like contracting diseases like diabetes; there will be some changes to the daily routine of an HIV-positive individual. They will need to be very mindful of when they need to take their medication. But for the most part they can continue living their lives as if the virus was not there. It is important for non-infected individuals to see that too, to go beyond personal prejudices and accept HIV-positive patients as an integral composition of Singapore’s diversity.
