MYTHMATCHED: HIV facts clash persisting public misconceptions

Behind the science of HIV lies a long trail of myths and fear — it remains as one of the most misunderstood viruses in the world, weighed down by stigma and social norms.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system through destroying CD4 white blood cells. 

The virus comes in three types namely acute HIV, or the primary HIV infection, which is the earliest stage of the disease, occurring within 2 to 4 weeks of initial exposure; chronic HIV infection, where the virus remains active but at low levels, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 

In a 2023 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 40 million people live with HIV worldwide. That same year, around 630,000 died from HIV-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is now one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region with the fastest-growing number of HIV cases. 

According to the Department of Health (DOH), an average of 56 new cases per day was recorded from January to April 2025, 44% higher than the first four months of the previous year. 

The HIV cases in the country is said to have gone up by 550% that tallied from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024.

Despite the alarming trend, many Filipinos still hold on to common myths and misinformation about HIV.

HIV has long been deemed to be a 'gay disease' — something only acquired and carried by men who also have men sexual partners. 

But HIV is not gender-selective. 

Although most common in members of the LGBTQ+ community, studies reveal heterosexuals partake a portion of case percentages from the virus. 

Gay and bisexual men make up a disproportionate amount of new HIV infections in the United States, accounting for 67% of new cases recorded in 2022.

This is primarily due to biological causes, since receptive anal sex has a higher risk of HIV transmission than vaginal sex because the rectum lining is thinner and more prone to rupture, allowing the virus to enter the body.

However, anyone in any sexual relationship can contract HIV. 

“HIV is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from a person who has HIV,” said Ronald Quenzer, an infectious disease specialist at Banner Health.

These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. 

Moreover, the Cleveland Clinic notes a common misconception of individuals on the mode of transmission, saying it is spread through everyday casual contact.

HIV does not spread through touching or hugging someone who has HIV/AIDS, using public bathrooms or swimming pools, sharing utensils, insect bites, or donating blood.

Furthermore, HIV cannot be prevented by birth control or pulling out in sexual intercourse. It can still be transmitted if both partners are HIV-positive.

People who are living with HIV can still be at risk for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, or even herpes. 

Most forms of contraception will not protect against HIV. 

Pills are designed to stop ovulation or fertilization, but they do nothing to block viruses like HIV.

According to studies, an HIV-positive person who receives regular antiretroviral medication that decreases the virus to undetectable levels in the blood cannot transfer HIV to a partner during sex. 

However, even if both partners have HIV, the CDC recommends that couples use condoms during all sexual encounters.  

In some situations, it is possible to transfer a different strain of HIV to a partner, or in rare cases, transmit a form of HIV known as a "superinfection" from a strain resistant to existing ART drugs.

For years, many believed that a diagnosis of HIV is a death sentence, inevitably leading to AIDS. 

However, this strong stigma has been proven wrong. 

AIDS is not a virus like HIV. It is a condition developed when HIV is left untreated, thus, making it the most advanced level of the infection where the immune system becomes severely weakened.

Instead of living in fear of the perceived link between HIV and AIDS, people should focus on the modern treatment options. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) aids in the prevention of spread of viruses.  

Although ART does not cure HIV, it is recommended by doctors to help people stay healthy, avoid AIDS, and limit the risk of transmission. Some people take pills daily, while others have injections monthly or bi-monthly.

HIV may be incurable, but it becomes a manageable chronic disease with effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as stated by WHO. 

A life with HIV does not mean a dead end. With the right care, life truly goes on.

                                                                      

Misconceptions have long shaped people's beliefs, but instead of passing them down through generations, it should now be replaced with informed actions. 

To detect early and manage HIV well, regular testing is a huge step for timely treatment, lowering the chances of progressing into AIDS. 

Preventive measures such as the consistent use of condoms and increased awareness also helps in reducing the virus transmission.

Amid these actions, HIV stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care. It often prevents individuals from seeking help from healthcare professionals. 

Combining respect and empathy with open conversations can play a vital role in ending both discrimination and long-held false narratives.

Taking actions to debunk myths are not just a personal choice, rather a community effort that helps build a stronger and just society for all.

HIV continues to be shaped not only by science, but by the narratives that surround it. 

As these myths continue to persist, so should the importance of clearer and well-informed open talks to shatter  the stigma—ones grounded in fact, not fear nor fantasy.