Get confidential information on HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, Genital HPV, Genital HPV infection, Genital Herpes, Bacterial Vaginosis, PID, Trichomoniasis, and other STDs. Being tested is the ONLY way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV. (Also see: State of Florida)
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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.
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 (T-cell) count drops below a certain value.
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: Transmission.