Describe some of the myths regarding HIV transmission. ...

[ericka1]

Describe some of the myths regarding HIV transmission.

Question 2

Discuss the difference between HIV and AIDS.

[iman]

Answer to Question 1

Kissing: Because the concentration of HIV in saliva is too minimal to transmit the virus, you cannot get HIV by engaging in dry kissing with an individual who is infected with HIV. However, if two people have open cuts on the lips or in the mouth or gums, HIV could potentially be transmitted through open-mouth kissing.
Exercise and perspiration: HIV cannot be transmitted through perspiration. Using the same exercise equipment as an infected individual or participating in sporting activities with no physical contact pose no risk to uninfected individuals unless they both have open wounds through which blood from an infected person can come in direct contact with open wound of an uninfected person.

Health care workers and blood donors: The chances of getting infected during physical or medical procedures are nearly zero. Health care workers take extra care to protect themselves and their patients from HIV. People also cannot get HIV from donating blood. Health professionals use a brand new needle every time they withdraw blood from a person. They use new needles only once and destroy them immediately after each person has donated blood.

Answer to Question 2

HIV is a chronic infectious disease that is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus multiplies and attacks and destroys white blood cells. These cells are part of the immune system, and their function is to fight off infections and diseases in the body. As the number of white blood cells that are killed increases, the body's immune system gradually breaks down or may be destroyed. Without an immune system, a person becomes susceptible to various opportunistic infections and to cancers. When the infection progresses to a point at which certain diseases develop, the person is said to have AIDS, and has reached the final stage of HIV infection.