Also See: Statistics about HIV and AIDS Programs & Services

Myths

Myth: I can get HIV from:

• Toilets
  

• Hugging
  

• Drinking after someone who is infected
  

• Kissing
  

• Mosquito bites
  

• Touching an infected person

• Breathing the same air of an infected person
  

Fact: Coming in contact with the following 4 bodily fluids spreads HIV.

1. Blood
   

2. Semen
   

3. Vaginal Fluid
   

4. Breast Milk
   
   
   

Myth: Oral sex is safe.
Fact: Semen and vaginal fluid transmit HIV. By taking these fluids into your body, you are putting yourself at risk.

Myth: You cannot catch HIV from a woman.
Fact: HIV is spread through vaginal fluid. You can catch HIV from women.

Myth: Only gay people get HIV.
Fact: Anyone can get HIV. If you are having unprotected sex, you are at risk of contracting HIV. Heterosexual contact represents the second largest risk category for contracting HIV in Region VII.

You can contact the Philadelphia Center by e-mail at info@philadelphiacenter.org.

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