Myths vs. Facts on HIV: Debunking Common Misconceptions

by Ramesh Vadiveloo (11.03.2025)

Despite more than four decades of awareness campaigns, misinformation about HIV still persists. These myths contribute to stigma, fear, and discrimination, making it harder for people to get tested or seek treatment. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths and uncover the facts about HIV.

Myth #1: HIV and AIDS are the same.

Fact: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are not the same. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, where the immune system is severely weakened. However, with proper treatment—known as antiretroviral therapy (ART)—people with HIV can live long, healthy lives without ever developing AIDS.

Myth #2: HIV is a death sentence.

Fact: Thanks to advancements in HIV treatment, people living with HIV (PLHIV) can manage the virus effectively. ART reduces the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels, meaning the virus cannot be transmitted through sex (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U). With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, PLHIV can have the same life expectancy as those without HIV.

A landmark study published in The Lancet HIV1 in 2017 analyzed data from over 88,000 PLHIV in Europe and North America. It found that individuals who started ART early (with a CD4 count above 500 cells/μL) had a near-normal life expectancy. For example, a 20-year-old starting ART early could expect to live into their late 70s, similar to the general population.

Myth #3: HIV-positive people can’t have children safely.

Fact: People living with HIV can have children without passing the virus to their partners or babies. With proper medical care, including ART, the risk of transmission during conception, pregnancy, and childbirth is extremely low.

Malaysia has made significant progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV through the implementation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. These programs include antenatal HIV testing, ART for pregnant women living with HIV, and safe delivery practices.

According to the 2022 Global AIDS Monitoring Report2, Malaysia reported an MTCT rate of less than 2%, which is close to the global target of eliminating MTCT (defined as a rate of less than 5%).**

 

Myth #4: You can tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them.

Fact: HIV does not have visible symptoms in its early stages, and many people with HIV look completely healthy. The only way to know for sure if someone has HIV is through testing.

For sexually active individuals with low to moderate risk—such as those in a mutually monogamous relationship, using condoms consistently, or with no known exposure to HIV—annual HIV testing is generally recommended. This routine testing helps ensure early detection and timely intervention if needed, while aligning with guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO.

However, for individuals at higher risk, more frequent testing—every 3 to 6 months—is advised. This includes men who have sex with men (MSM), people with multiple sexual partners, those engaging in condomless sex, people who inject drugs and share needles, sex workers, individuals with a recent STI, and those with a partner living with HIV who is not virally suppressed. Regular testing is crucial for early detection, access to treatment, and prevention efforts, especially for those with elevated exposure risks.

Myth #5: Only certain groups of people get HIV.

Fact: HIV can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or social status. The virus spreads through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. It is not limited to any one group of people—anyone who engages in unprotected sex, shares needles, or is exposed to infected blood can contract HIV.

Myth #6: HIV can be transmitted through casual contact (hugging, sharing food, using the same toilet, etc.).

Fact: HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact. The virus only spreads through direct exposure to certain bodily fluids. You cannot get HIV from hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, using the same toilet, or being near someone who is HIV-positive. Misinformation like this contributes to unnecessary stigma against PLHIV.

Myth #7: Mosquitoes can spread HIV.

Fact: HIV cannot survive or reproduce inside mosquitoes or other insects. When mosquitoes bite, they do not inject the blood of a previous person into a new one. This means HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites, no matter how many times an infected mosquito bites someone.

Myth #8: If you’re on PrEP, you don’t need to use condoms.

Fact: PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is highly effective in preventing HIV, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Condoms provide an extra layer of protection against these STIs and also help prevent unintended pregnancies.

Asymptomatic STIs can silently spread to sexual partners, increasing the risk of transmission. If left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications, such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, or even cancer (e.g., cervical cancer from HPV). Additionally, asymptomatic STIs during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, or transmission to the baby.

Regular STI testing is essential for sexually active individuals, even if they feel healthy. Using condoms consistently, discussing STI status with partners, and getting vaccinated (e.g., for HPV and hepatitis B) can reduce the risk of infection. Early detection through routine screening helps prevent long-term complications and stops the spread of STIs.

Myth #9: If both partners have HIV, they don’t need to use protection.

Fact: Even if both partners are HIV-positive, using protection is still recommended. There are different strains of HIV, and reinfection (or “superinfection”) can occur if one partner has a drug-resistant strain. Additionally, protection helps prevent the transmission of other STIs. If both partners are on effective ART and maintain an undetectable viral load, the risk of transmission is eliminated, but regular medical check-ups are still essential.

Final Thoughts

HIV misinformation fuels stigma and prevents people from accessing the care they need. By debunking these myths, we can create a more informed and supportive society.

The best way to protect yourself and others is through education, regular testing, and safe practices. If you have any concerns about HIV, talk to a healthcare professional or get tested today at KLEM Clinics.

Knowledge is power. Share this article and help stop the spread of HIV myths!

References

• Survival of HIV-positive patients starting antiretroviral therapy between 1996 and 2013: a collaborative analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet HIV(2017).

• 2022 Global AIDS Monitoring Country Progress Report for Malaysia.

 

#HIVAware #KnowTheFacts #EndTheStigma #HIVTesting #HIVPrevention #SafeSex #HIVTreatment #PrEP #UequalsU #GetTested #KLEMClinics #HealthEducation