How HIV Cannot Be Transmitted: Myths About Contact With an Infected Person

There are still many myths and fears surrounding HIV, but science has clearly shown that HIV is not as easily spread as many people think. Understanding how HIV cannot be transmitted helps break stigma and promotes compassion and healthy interaction with those who are HIV-positive.....CONTINUE READING THE FULL STORY HERE

First, HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact. This means you cannot get HIV from hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, sitting on the same toilet, or using the same swimming pool as someone who is infected.

The virus does not survive well outside the human body and cannot be spread through sweat, tears, or saliva.

You also cannot contract HIV through kissing unless both parties have deep open mouth sores or bleeding gums, which is extremely rare.

Insects, including mosquitoes, do not spread HIV, despite common myths. HIV lives only in specific human body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk not in air or on surfaces.

Additionally, a person who is HIV-positive and on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually a fact supported by the U=U campaign (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Education, love, and understanding go a long way in stopping fear and discrimination.