The other day the CAMPsafe staff had an STD/HIV refresher course. Good information and some graphic pictures of some very nasty sexually transmitted infections. After viewing the pictures, sex was the last thing on our mind. Well, at least for a little bit. After the workshop, I began to think about the myths that surround HIV and AIDS. So, to set the record straight, here are some top misconceptions and the reality.

Myth #1: HIV is the same as AIDS.

Reality: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is what you become infected with if you become positive. It attacks the immune system, which can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is not a disease, but a condition that causes the immune system to become so weak that it can no longer fight off diseases or infections.

Myth #2: You can tell when someone has AIDS.

Reality: You can’t. People with AIDS come in all shapes and sizes.

Myth #3: Positive people always tell you their status.

Reality: They don’t. In fact, positive guys are unlikely to disclose their status, especially to people they don’t know all that well, and that includes casual sexual partners. It is up to the negative person to ask also—both have responsibility to be open and honest.

Myth #4: If someone has unprotected sex at a sex party, they are bound to be HIV-postive.

Reality: Lots of people in cruising spots are HIV negative, or untested. And lots of negative and untested men have unprotected "sex party" sex.

Myth #5: I can get HIV from a mosquito.

Reality: No!

Myth #6: If a negative guy has unprotected sex with a postive guy he will always get HIV.

Reality: There are lots of ways you can prevent the transmission of HIV, using a condom is most effective. Having anal sex without a condom is the most likely route of infection for gay men, but even then, lots of men have done it and been lucky and not caught HIV. In technical language, they have been exposed but no transmission has occurred. It depends on many factors, such as how active the HIV is in the positive man’s blood, and some mixed status couples have had sex for years without the negative partner becoming infected.

Myth #7: If they find out you’re positive, everyone will shun you.

Reality: Yes, some people are nasty and afraid of things they don’t understand. But on the whole, most people are supportive and understanding.

Myth #8: You can’t get HIV through oral sex.

Reality: HIV risk for oral sex is very low. However, anytime you exchange bodily fluids you are at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Myth #9" There is a cure for HIV.

Reality: There isn’t.

Myth #10: No one dies of HIV anymore.

Reality: Although drug combinations are successful in treating people with HIV, not everyone can take these drugs. Many people experience very severe side effects. And even those who can take them can’t take them forever. The drugs are very toxic and prolonged use causes liver failure, a common death among people who are HIV positive. Millions of people die every year from AIDS related illnesses.