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Myths

Common Myths & Misunderstandings

There are many myths about HIV /AIDS. Most of these myths are based on incorrect information or lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS—and some are related to the stigma that is often attached to HIV.

Myth: A person with HIV or AIDS looks sick.
Truth: People with HIV infection often don’t look or feel sick. You can even have HIV and not know it. Taking an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you or someone else has HIV.

For more information, see CDC’s Questions and Answers: HIV/AIDS Basics?

Myth: Only gay people get HIV/AIDS.
Truth: When the epidemic began in the early 1980s, the first cases of HIV and AIDS were found among urban men who had sex with men (MSM). Today, however, the picture of the epidemic looks very different. Many new cases of HIV occur among heterosexual women of color, ethnic minorities, and people who live in rural areas.

While the number of new cases is still highest among MSM, it is important to remember that HIV is transmitted primarily by risky sexual and drug-taking behaviors. If you engage in those behaviors, without taking protective measures, you are at risk of HIV infection—regardless of the gender of your partner. For more information, see CDC’s HIV/AIDS in the United States.

Myth: Some people have been cured of HIV.
Truth: While there are many treatment options, there is currently no cure for HIV. For more information, see CDC’s HIV/AIDS Treatment.

Myth: HIV isn’t a big deal anymore. A person can take a pill once a day and be fine.
Truth: An HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence like it was in the early days on the epidemic—but it continues to be a “big deal.” Living with HIV can be challenging, and HIV medications can have serious side effects and cause other health problems. Preventing HIV infection is much better than having to treat it. For more information, see CDC’s HIV/AIDS Treatment.

Myth: Being HIV-positive is the same thing as having AIDS.
Truth: Being HIV-positive and having an AIDS diagnosis are not the same. AIDS occurs only after a long period of HIV infection, during which the body’s immune system has been badly damaged. AIDS is diagnosed when certain opportunistic infections are present or when a person’s CD4 count drops below a certain value. For more information, see CDC’s What is the Difference Between HIV/AIDS?

Myth: A person can get HIV from touching or kissing someone with HIV.
Truth: HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing cups or towels, or closed-mouth kissing. For more information, see CDC’s Questions and Answers: HIV Transmission.

Myth: I am not at risk because I am in a monogamous relationship.
Truth: You may not always know if your partner is having sex (or injecting drugs) outside of the relationship, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. If you are beginning a monogamous relationship, it’s important for both partners to be tested for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Myth: You can’t have a baby if you are HIV-positive.
Truth: With proper healthcare and medication, HIV-positive women are able to have a healthy pregnancy and give birth to babies who are HIV-negative. Pregnant women should be tested for HIV to ensure that they receive proper care.