Myth: HIV and AIDS are the same thing.

Fact: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection if left untreated.

Myth: HIV can be transmitted by shaking hands or hugging.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as touching, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing the same space.

Myth: HIV can be transmitted through kissing.

Fact: Transmission through kissing is extremely unlikely and practically non-existent.

Myth: HIV is transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears.

Fact: The virus is not transmitted through these body fluids.

Myth: HIV can be transmitted via toilet seats or shared environments.

Fact: HIV cannot survive outside the human body long enough to be transmitted this way.

Myth: HIV only affects certain groups of people.

Fact: HIV can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.

Myth: If someone looks healthy, they can't have HIV.

Fact: A person with HIV can look and feel healthy for a long time without showing any symptoms, yet they can still transmit the virus.

Myth: HIV is a terminal and incurable illness today.

Fact: While there is currently no cure for HIV, modern treatment allows people to live long, full, and healthy lives.

Myth: People with HIV cannot have children.

Fact: With proper medical treatment, people living with HIV can have healthy children without passing on the virus.

Myth: If I have HIV, I will always infect my partner.

Fact: With effective treatment and an undetectable viral load (U=U), HIV cannot be transmitted sexually.

Myth: Condoms are not reliable against HIV.

Fact: When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV transmission.

Myth: The HIV test is complicated and painful.

Fact: Testing is quick, simple, and often available anonymously.

Myth: I don't need to get tested if I only had one risky contact.

Fact: Even a single risky exposure can lead to infection – getting tested is crucial.

Myth: HIV is transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects.

Fact: HIV cannot be transmitted through insect bites.

Myth: You can tell if someone has HIV just by their symptoms.

Fact: It is impossible to know someone's HIV status without a proper test.

Myth: People with HIV cannot work or function normally.

Fact: With proper treatment, people living with HIV can lead completely normal professional and personal lives.

Myth: HIV is transmitted by sharing food or drinks.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through sharing food, drinks, or utensils.

Myth: HIV is a problem of the past.

Fact: HIV remains a current global health issue, and prevention is still key.

Myth: If a partner looks "safe," protection is not needed.

Fact: Appearance or intuition tells you nothing about someone's HIV status.

Myth: HIV-positive people are dangerous to those around them.

Fact: People living with HIV pose no risk in daily casual contact, and when on effective treatment, they pose no risk during sex either.