Even with all the progress in HIV care, myths about how the virus spreads are still common today. These HIV transmission myths can create fear, fuel stigma, and leave people unsure about what’s safe and what isn’t.
At The McGregor Clinic, we believe that accurate information is powerful. Learning the truth about HIV transmission myths not only protects your health, but it also helps break down stigma and build compassion for people living with HIV.
Together, we can create a future where myths no longer stand in the way of care, connection, and hope.
What are Some HIV Transmission Myths?
Over the years, many myths about HIV have spread. Some of the most common include:
- Casual contact: You cannot get HIV from hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food and drinks. Everyday contact is safe.
- Kissing: HIV is not spread through closed-mouth or social kissing, as saliva does not transmit the virus. Even deep kissing carries an extremely low risk unless both partners have significant open sores or bleeding gums.
- Insects: Mosquitoes and other insects cannot transmit HIV. The virus does not survive or reproduce inside them.
- Sharing bathrooms or pools: Sharing toilet seats, swimming pools, or common surfaces does not spread HIV.
- Touching or caring for someone with HIV: Helping with basic care, like changing clothes or cleaning up small cuts, does not transmit HIV if you use common-sense precautions like gloves.
How HIV is Actually Transmitted
HIV is passed from person to person in very specific ways. These include:
- Unprotected sex also referred to as condomless sex: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal or anal sex without protection if one partner is living with HIV and not virally suppressed. Using condoms or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) greatly lowers this risk.
- Sharing needles: Using or sharing needles and other injection equipment for drugs, tattoos, or piercings can spread HIV. New, single-use supplies are the safest option.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: Without treatment, HIV can pass from parent to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. This risk can be reduced to almost zero with the right care and medication.
- Blood transfusions: In the United States, the blood supply is carefully screened. Today, the risk of HIV transmission through transfusions is extremely low.
Let’s Reduce the Stigma
HIV transmission myths create confusion and feed stigma. Stigma can make people afraid to get tested, start treatment, or share their status. It can also harm relationships and affect mental well-being.
You can help reduce stigma by:
- Speaking with compassion: Use respectful language and avoid labels that make people feel less than others. Using terms like “clean” or “dirty to describe someone’s HIV or STI status can be deeply harmful, it suggests that a person is somehow less worthy because of a health condition.Instead we can say HIV positive or HIV negative or tested negative and tested positive.
- Sharing facts: If you hear misinformation, gently correct it with what you know to be true.
- Supporting those living with HIV: Remember that with treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
- Encouraging testing and care: Testing is the first step to staying healthy and protecting others.
Compassionate HIV Care and Support in Fort Myers, FL
At The McGregor Clinic, we believe everyone deserves care without judgment. By learning the facts about HIV transmission, you protect your health and help build a more supportive and inclusive community. Together, we can replace fear with understanding and stigma with compassion.
Our team is here to walk alongside you with HIV services, including accurate information, confidential testing, personalized treatment plans, and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
If you’re ready to take the next step in your care or simply need a trusted place to ask questions, we’re here for you. Contact us today at 239.334.9555 to learn how we can support you.
