Fact or Fiction: Top 6 of the Myths about HIV and AIDS (Part 3)

See some of the most common myths about HIV and AIDS

Many people do not know they are infected with the HIV virus

Over 33 million people worldwide are living with the HIV virus. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a member of the retrovirus family) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition which leads to progressive failure of the immune system, allowing life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. HIV infects vital cells in the human immune system.
But many people do not know they are infected. Today there is available modern HIV testing which is extremely accurate. A single screening test is correct more than 99% of the time. The chance of a false-positive result in standard two-step testing protocol is estimated to be about 1 in 250,000 in a low risk population.
Although HIV has been around since 198, there are still many uncertainties and myths around it. This is why we offer you to see 6 of the most common myths and facts about HIV and AIDS…

HIV can be cured

This is a Myth. Medicines that now are available apply only therapeutic effect and can not heal completely the affected person. Medications inhibit the multiplication of HIV and allow the immune system to recover. It is important to know, however, that person remains HIV-positive and can transmit the virus to others if he/ she does not use protection.
For the medication to be effective for a long period of time, there must be maintained stable concentrations of the drug in the body. This means that the medications should be adopted permanently.
However, we have been witnesing a continuous development of new drugs in the last years, increasing the chances of finding a definitive cure.

HIV-seropositive people can have children

This is a Fact. When HIV-seropositive pregnant women receive antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and childbirth, the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies is reduced to less than 1%. As an additional security to protect the baby, there are given prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs to the newborn immediately after birth.
In HIV-seropositive men who want to have children there is also a solution. They use a technology called “sperm washing”. It allows the sperm to be “cleared” from the virus, and then to perform artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, without any risk of HIV infection for the women.

Source : dailyhealtharticles[dot]com