Some Facts First :

• Globally, more than 25 Million people have died since 1981.
• In Africa, more than 40 Million children have been orphaned due to HIV.
• India is the world's highest HIV/Aids casehold with 5.7 Million infected people.
• Women represent half of all the people living with Aids.
• African American women accounted for 67 % of estimated cases in 2004.
• Since the mid 80's, the proportion of Aids cases among women has more than tripled, from 7 % in 1985 to 27 % in 2004.
• In 2005, HIV/Aids related illnesses caused 3.1 Million deaths worldwide.
• In 2005, five million new HIV infections occured globally approximately 14,000 each day.
• About two-thirds of all the people estimated to be living with HIV reside in Africa.

Two decades after the identification of HIV / Aids (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the world is witnessing the enormous and multiplying consequence of the epidemic. The virus continues to strengthen its hold in all countries of the world. The Lack of awareness and preconceived notions regarding it can only aggravate the problem. Here are the most common myths and misconceptions that people all over the world have regarding HIV.

• HIV is the same as the AIDS : This couldn,t be further from the truth. HIV is a virus and Aids is a collection od illnesses. Knowing the difference between the two is a very important part of understanding.
• HIV can be transmitted on physical contact : This statement is partly true. However, it should be strictly noted that HIV or Aids is not transmitted through tears, sweat, salive, by shaking hands, sharing clothes, rooms or meals, or by nursing an HIV/Aids patient.
• HIV only affects homosexual men and drug users: HIV can infect anyone - hetrosexual as well as homosexual men and women , babies, teenagers and old people.
• We both have HIV , we don't need contraceptives/precaution s : Not true. Experts are seeing more and more incidences of re-infection , making HIV treatment even mor edifficult.
• People over 50 don't get HIV : Don't bet on it. People over 50 make up a rapidly rapidly growing segment of the HIV population.
• I have HIV, I can't have children : This used to be true but not anymore. Women living with HIV can and do have families, by taking certain precautions and following some steps.
• My family doctor can treat my HIV : Experts believe that given the complexities of HIV care , only HIV specialists should manage patients infected with the virus.
• HIV can be cured : While many make claims of miraculous cures , the sad truth is there is no cure so far for the HIV. Be careful of quacks offering cures and miracles. If it sounds too good too be true it probably is.
• Why don't we have a vaccine ? While progress is being made, vaccine development is not without its challenges and difficulties. Many experts feel we are still many years away from an effective HIV vaccine.
• I have just been diagnosed, am i going to die ? This is the biggest myth of all. People are living with HIV longer today than ever before. Treatment programmes and a beeter understanding of HIV allows those infected to live normal, healthy and productive lives.
  For more information visit http://aids.about.com/cs/aids...