On the 30th anniversary of discovering HIV, QX gives you the common misconceptions and truths about this virus, following a report launched today from the National AIDS Trust.
By Patrick Cash
Thirty years ago gay men were dying in their droves due to AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome) and no one quite knew what was causing it, until on 23rd April 1984 the discovery was announced of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Three decades later, medical research has advanced to the point where people who are diagnosed early with the virus no longer face an inevitable death sentence. However, the National AIDS Trust have released today research revealing gay men’s lack of awareness about HIV prevention tools, and that younger gay men, in the 16-24 age group, are particularly less clued up about HIV than their older counterparts. This is worrying given that new HIV diagnoses amongst gay and bisexual young men have doubled over the past ten years.
QX put together three of the most common misconceptions about HIV, and the real truth of the facts here:
- You can’t get HIV if you are the active partner (the ‘top’) during sex
- There is no other method of prevention against HIV other than the condom
- If you get HIV, it’s a death sentence
- For more common myths, and their truths, about HIV visit: http://www.hivaware.org.uk/be-aware/common-myths.php
- NAT is conducting a nation-wide survey, Boys Who Like Boys: A Survey of Understanding About Sex, which aims to better understand where young gay and bi guys learn about sex, relationships and HIV. The survey is now open and NAT are looking for as many gay and bisexual men, aged 14-19, as possible to take part (www.hivaware.org.uk/boys).
