The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the
most misunderstood and stigmatized health issues worldwide, claiming an
estimated 44.1 million lives since its discovery, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO). While there is no absolute cure, through prevention,
testing, and antiretroviral therapy (ART), the possibility of developing
Advanced HIV Disease (previously known as AIDS), can be prevented. AHD is the
later stage of HIV where the immune system of a person living with HIV is severely
weakened.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧
𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭
𝐇𝐈𝐕:
• HIV can be transmitted through casual contact like hugging
or kissing.
• Sharing food, utensils, or drinks can spread HIV.
• Only certain “high-risk” groups can get HIV.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐈𝐕
𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲
𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬?
• HIV spreads only through body fluids from people living
with HIV, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breastmilk.
• It can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy,
childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle, can
contract HIV if exposed to infected fluids.
Early HIV symptoms can resemble the flu, including fever,
headache, rash, and sore throat. As the virus progresses, more serious symptoms
may appear, such as swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, persistent
fever or diarrhea, chronic cough, and increased vulnerability to infections and
certain cancers.
𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨
𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐇𝐈𝐕
𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
• Educate oneself on how HIV can actually be transmitted.
• Get regularly tested and know your partner’s HIV status.
• Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or tattoo/piercing
equipment.
• Pregnant women living with HIV should follow medical
guidance to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
• Stay faithful.
Early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral therapy enable
people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
Get tested at any of the designated HIV Treatment Hubs in
the province: the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, Allen District Hospital,
and GB Tan Memorial Hospital.
Stay informed.
A gentle reminder from the Provincial Government of Northern
Samar. (EML/TART)
For more news and updates, visit:
►http://northernsamar.gov.ph
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