Debunking HIV Myths with Adult Nursing lecturer

HIV is something you may well have heard of, but how much do you really know about the virus? We spoke to Andrea Driver-Williams, lecturer in Adult Nursing here at BCU and HIV Clinical Nurse Specialist, about the many myths surrounding HIV. Read on to find out more about the virus and debunk the most common HIV myths!

Myth 1: HIV only exists in the LGBT+ Community 

When HIV emerged in the 1980s AIDS epidemic, it was widely regarded as a gay man’s disease. However, HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can get HIV, regardless of  sexual orientation, gender, age, race, or religion. In 2022 in England, 42,000 cases of HIV were caused by sex between men and 44,000 cases were caused by sex between a man and a woman. 

Myth 2: HIV and AIDS are the same thing 

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and when acquired, HIV attacks the body’s immune system and the virus makes copies of itself. HIV is when the virus first attacks the body. If left undiagnosed and untreated, HIV will develop into AIDS after years.

AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It can often be referred to as late-stage HIV or advanced HIV. AIDS is when the immune system is severely damaged and is unable to fight off contamination, which leads to life-threatening infections and cancers.

Thanks to increased awareness, early intervention and  modern treatment, there are far fewer people developing AIDS and most of those who do develop AIDS have not been tested or treated for HIV. 

Myth 3: You can only get tested for HIV at the doctor

You can get tested for HIV in a range of clinical and community settings and it is free and confidential on the NHS. There are a number of clinics run by HIV charities, as well as general sexual health clinics that offer testing, as well as some GPs. there are also home testing and sampling kits available. These can be requested at freetesting.hiv.

Myth 4: People don't die of HIV anymore

Figures released by the World Health Organisation in 2022 showed there were approximately 630,000 people who died of HIV-related causes. Unfortunately, as these figures show, people still die of HIV. However, those on effective treatment can live long and healthy lives. Testing and early intervention to contain and manage the illness is the only way forward to prevent HIV deaths.

Myth 5: HIV is highly infectious

HIV cannot be transmitted by sneezing, kissing, touching people and sharing food. It can only be passed on if someone has a detectable viral load (that remains  untreated) through bodily fluids such as vaginal fluid, anus mucus, breast milk, blood, and semen. 

A condom is the most effective way of preventing HIV transmissions and will also help to protect you against other sexually transmitted infections. 

Myth 6: HIV cannot be treated with medication

HIV is treatable with a medication called ART (anti-retroviral therapy). This reduces the viral load in the body to prevent it from causing damage to the immune system. When the viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be transmitted. 

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a readily available medication. PrEP is used to reduce your risk of acquiring the virus. For further advice or to start PrEP, please contact your local sexual health clinic.

 If you are worried about potential exposure to HIV, you can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP needs to be taken as soon as possible, ideally within the first few hours of exposure but within 72 hours. It is available at sexual health clinics, but if these are closed,  head to your local Accident and Emergency.

Myth 7: You will know if you have HIV

Unless you have been tested for HIV, there is no way of knowing for certain whether you have HIV. HIV can be asymptomatic or have similar symptoms to other illnesses, such as a fever, sore throat, body rash, fatigue, and headaches.

Myth 8: HIV is a death sentence 

Those diagnosed with HIV and on effective treatment can live long and healthy lives. With regular testing of viral load levels and blood tests, people with HIV are treated under the supervision of a HIV team. 

Myth 9: HIV does not exist in the UK

In 2022, there were 2,444 new diagnoses of HIV in England. This means new diagnoses in England increased by 6% in 2022 from 2021.

Myth 10: You can't live a normal life with HIV

With early diagnosis and treatment, those with HIV can live long and healthy lives. Just like anyone else - they can have relationships, play sports, work, and have children. Pregnant women living with HIV and on treatment can have babies that are HIV -negative and can breastfeed. 

Take home message: Get tested!

It doesn’t matter who you sleep with or what your sexual orientation is, everyone needs to get tested to make sure they are HIV-negative. If someone is HIV positive, they can receive effective treatment to make sure they can live a long and healthy life. 

 If you are having sex without condoms, it is recommended you regularly test for HIV and other STIs. Speak to your local sexual health clinic for further guidance. 

There are 10 clinics within a 5-mile radius of City South Campus. Please visit nhs.uk to find a HIV testing service near you.