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| - Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post on Facebook claims that community swimming pools can cause HIV infection. We fact checked and found it to be false.
The Claim
A Facebook user posted, “No pools for me this summer!!” The post claims that community swimming pools can cause HIV infection. The post further goes on to say that, “4th person tested positive this week. Make sure everyone that visited this pool gets checked. The pool wasn’t cared for and chemicals were not used.”
Fact Check
What is HIV?
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. It targets “helper T cells,” which are important for fighting diseases. When HIV weakens the immune system, the body becomes more vulnerable to various infections, some of which can be serious. We call it opportunistic infection. If HIV isn’t treated, it can develop into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), where the immune system is severely weakened, leading to dangerous health problems. Treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART helps control the virus, stops it from progressing to AIDS, and helps people with HIV live longer and healthier lives. But, one should carefully follow HIV treatment for life. Although there’s no cure for HIV yet, ongoing research is improving treatments and how people with HIV can live well.
Is it true that community swimming pools can cause HIV infection?
No, not at all. The claim that four individuals contracted HIV from a swimming pool lacks evidence. There have been no documented cases of HIV transmission in such a setting. HIV primarily spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse, needle sharing, or from mother to child during childbirth, breastfeeding, or pregnancy.
Additionally, important details such as the location of the contaminated pool in the claim are not available. It is important to clarify that HIV cannot survive in swimming pools or hot tubs. The virus is highly delicate and cannot survive for long outside the human body. Therefore, the notion that HIV can transmit through swimming in the same pool as an HIV+ individual is baseless. Also, it cannot spread through sweat, urine or saliva.
What does an expert say about HIV infection?
We checked with Dr Amit Harshana (MBBS, MD Community Health & Preventive Medicine, HIV Specialist) for his expert advice. He says, “I want to reassure everyone that HIV does not transmit through casual contact, including swimming in community pools. The virus is fragile and cannot survive outside the body for long periods. However, it’s important to understand that HIV can spread through specific bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, during activities like unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth. To protect yourself and others, practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles or syringes.”
Dr Harshana further continues, “Getting regular tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is necessary, as early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes. One important thing to note is that after accidental exposure, you must consult with an expert for post-exposure prophylaxis and follow the advice religiously. Initial tests after the exposure can remain negative for some time as the person might be in the window period and that’s why it is important to follow the advice of follow up tests till you get final confirmation. It’s essential to approach people living with HIV with empathy and understanding. People living with HIV face stigma and discrimination, which can affect their mental and physical well-being.”
How does HIV spread?
HIV spreads through certain bodily fluids. These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common way HIV spreads is through unprotected sex with someone who has HIV. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV also puts you at risk. HIV can pass from a mother to her baby during childbirth, breastfeeding, or pregnancy. In rare cases, HIV transmission can occur through blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors.
It’s important to note that HIV cannot spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. Using condoms during sex and avoiding sharing needles are important steps to prevent HIV transmission. Testing for HIV and knowing your partner’s status can also reduce the risk of transmission. Overall, understanding how HIV spreads and taking preventive measures are crucial for reducing the risk of HIV infection.
Can HIV be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV. While there’s a significant progress in managing the virus through antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps control HIV replication and slows down disease progression, it does not eliminate the virus from the body. HIV remains in the body for life, even when viral load becomes undetectable with treatment. Researchers continue to explore potential avenues for a cure, such as gene therapy, immunotherapy, and therapeutic vaccines. However, developing a cure for HIV poses significant challenges due to the virus’s ability to integrate into the DNA of immune cells, its high mutation rate, and its ability to remain latent in certain cells. Despite these challenges, ongoing research offers hope for future breakthroughs that may one day lead to a cure for HIV. In the meantime, early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment, and adherence to ART remain crucial for managing HIV and maintaining good health.
What are the preventive measures of HIV infection?
As of now, there’s no cure available for HIV infection or AIDS. We can only manage the infection and enhance the quality of life for HIV+ people. Therefore, prevention becomes key. Preventive Measures for HIV Infection:
- Practise Safe Sex: Using condoms correctly and consistently during sexual activity can greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. This applies to all types of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Get Tested Regularly: Knowing your HIV status is crucial for preventing transmission. Getting tested regularly for HIV allows for early detection and prompt treatment if needed. It also helps prevent the spread of the virus by informing sexual partners of your status.
- Limit Sexual Partners: Having fewer sexual partners can reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have HIV can also lower the risk of infection.
- Avoid Sharing Needles: Injection drug use is a significant risk factor for HIV transmission. Avoiding the sharing of needles, syringes, or other injection equipment can prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne infections.
- Use PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection. When taken consistently, PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, especially for those at higher risk, such as individuals with HIV-positive partners or those engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour.
- Use PEP: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a short-term treatment taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection. PEP should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure, and continued for 28 days to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding how HIV spreads and how to prevent infection is essential for everyone. Educating oneself and others about HIV prevention strategies, including safe sex practices and harm reduction techniques, can help reduce the spread of HIV in communities.
- Address Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV can hinder prevention efforts and discourage individuals from seeking testing and treatment. Promoting acceptance, understanding, and support for people living with HIV can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for HIV prevention efforts.
What are the signs and symptoms of HIV infection?
The signs and symptoms of HIV can vary depending on the stage of infection. In the initial weeks after infection, some individuals may not experience any symptoms, while others may have flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, rash, and sore throat.
As the infection progresses, it weakens the immune system. This leads to additional signs and symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, recurring fever, diarrhoea, and cough.
Without treatment, HIV can result in severe illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), cryptococcal meningitis, severe bacterial infections, and certain cancers like lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Moreover, HIV can aggravate other infections such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and poxvirus infections, making them more severe. It’s important to note that many individuals may be unaware of their HIV status until the infection reaches later stages. Thereby emphasising the importance of regular testing and early intervention.
THIP Media has already busted the myth surrounding a herbal remedy for HIV and about HIV medicine weakening the immune system.
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