Millions of people suffer from HIV AIDS every year, and therefore, you cannot relax thinking that you will not get the disease. Scientists have developed a vaccine that may prevent the onset of the condition. The HIV can spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion by sharing needles, or from mother to foetus. However, a lot of myths revolving around the HIV vaccine is preventing the people from getting one. Here we debunk all of them.
Myth 1: HIV Vaccine is Not Necessary
While treatment for HIV infection has dramatically improved over the last years, it is no substitute for prevention of the disease. HIV medications may have side effects, and sometimes people also develop drug resistance. While these drugs are easily accessible, the rate of new infections around the world is more significant than our ability to get treatment for the people who need it. Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Elton John Donates $1 Million to HIV AIDS Charity for This Reason.
Myth 2: People Not at Risk Do Not Need to Get an HIV Vaccine
You may not be at HIV-risk today, but you may be at risk tomorrow. You should not only get your children vaccinated but also participate actively in debunking the myths surround it. Remember, even if a person is not at risk today, they can save the lives of millions of people worldwide by being a part of the research. World AIDS Day 2019: Facts about HIV That Will Totally Shock You.
Myth 3: You Can Get HIV from HIV Vaccines
HIV vaccines do not inject you with HIV. Certain vaccines for polio and typhoid might contain the virus to fight against the diseases, but HIV vaccines don't. In the past 25 years, over 30,000 volunteers took part in HIV vaccine studies worldwide, and no volunteer has been infected with HIV.
Myth 4: HIV Vaccines Can Cause Autism
There is no link between autism and childhood vaccination. While vaccines often have side effects, they are temporary and go away within a day or two. Vaccines are as necessary for children as clean water supply. World AIDS Day 2019: Five Celebrities Who Opened Up About Living With HIV / AIDS.
Also, be sure that you give your children other boosters that they need after birth. Remember, skipping a vaccination is never a good idea.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2020 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).