Today's misconceptions about HIV and AIDS

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1. HIV and AIDS are the same thing.

Not exactly. AIDS is the end result of HIV infection. (Human Immunodefiency Virus) shelters itself in the body as it slowly goes to work. The virus attacks the immune system which is supposed to protect the body against disease. But HIV is so powerful that it eventually destroys the immune system, leaving the body open to many overwhelming infections. That's when a person has AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.)

2. Condoms don't work

Using a latex condom doesn't make it impossible to get HIV, but it does greatly reduce the risk provided, of course, they are used correctly every time you have intercourse. In fact, you are 10,000 times safer using a condom that you are without.

3. Straight (heterosexual) sex is safe sex.

Not so. For so long being HIV-positive or having AID was perceived as a gay man's disease. The misconception that heterosexuals aren't likely to be infected by HIV is dangerous because straight/heterosexuals may not think to protect themselves. In 1993, 13 per cent of all reported HIV transmission in Alberta was through heterosexual contact. Think About It.

4. We use birth control so we are safe.

Condoms are the only means which will help protect against HIV and other STDs. You can't reply on the pill, the I.U.D., withdrawal, and certainly not anal intercourse. It is very risky for HIV.

5. Once a person has HIV, full-blown AIDS occurs within months.

No. a person who has HIV could show no symptoms for 10 years or more and

yet they continue to be infectious. If you have unprotected sex and think that everything is fine because your partner feels fine and looks healthy, you might as well be playing roulette with your life.

6. If I get an HIV test and the results are positive, my identity will be revealed to everyone.

There is no requirement to report an individual's positive HIV test to Alberta's Public Health Authorities. Persons being tested can insist that their name not be identified on their blood sample, and that a coded identifier known only by that person and their doctor be used.

7. Having unprotected sex with a virgin is completely safe.

It's not that simple. Ask yourself some questions. Has "this virgin" ever shared needles? Has this person ever been involved in anal sex? Even though it's a lower risk, has this person ever had oral sex? How would you know? Read on to #10 and find out more about the "safer sex" model.

8. I may have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) before, but that has nothing to do with HIV.

Yes it does. the reason? If you have had an STD, your sexual behaviors have also put you at risk for HIV. Also with some STDs, small open sores on the genitals make you more likely to get infected if you come in contact with HIV.

9. In unprotected heterosexual contact, both partners are at equal risk.

Actually women are more likely to become infected with HIV than they are to transmit it. A woman who has sex with an HIV-infected man stands a greater chance of picking up the virus than does a man who has sex with an HIV-infected woman.

10. I'm in a long-term relationship, I don't need to have protected sex.

That may be true if you have followed the "safer sex" model for couples. From

the beginning of your relationship, condoms must be used consistently and correctly and neither partner has sex with anyone else or shares needles. Then, at the end of six months, if both partners test negative for HIV, unprotected intercourse is safe as long as both people do not have sex with anyone else of share needles.

(Reproduced from Know AIDS, a tabloid publication sponsored by the Alberta Medical Association.)