4 Big Myths About HIV and AIDS That Still Show Up Today - Test Your Knowledge
What people still get wrong about HIV and AIDS, and the real facts about it in 2026.
Welcome to the Physician-Led Health Coaching weekly newsletter. I’m Dr. Ashori, a board-certified physician turned health coach. I help people fix brain fog, fatigue, and stubborn weight before they turn into real disease.
We grew up hearing a lot of confusing stories about HIV. This should be an easy read and help clear up a few of those myths.
Article Summary:
HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, saliva, or sharing food.
Modern treatment can make HIV undetectable, which means it is untransmittable.
The virus is treatable and manageable, and people live long, healthy lives with it.
1. What I Learned Growing Up
I started medical school in 2001, long after the scariest times of HIV. But the way we managed the disease back then is worlds apart from now.
The goal now is to keep people’s viral loads undetectable which means that the virus can’t be transmitted. This is such an incredible breakthrough.
2. Myth 1 = HIV Spreads Through Casual Contact
Not just in the US but especially in other countries, the fear of transmission still shows up in families, workplaces, and dating. It keeps the stigma alive, even though casual contact can’t spread the virus.
HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or touch. It requires specific body fluids and specific routes.
3. Myth 2 = People With HIV Always Look or Feel Sick
Many don’t get tested because they don’t ‘look sick.’ Even in 2025, this myth continues to exist. The only chance at a good life with HIV is getting tested and treated early.
Treatment today suppresses the virus and it’s much more affordable than ever before. People can live long, healthy lives with HIV, raising families, working, aging, and living well.
Undetectable means untransmittable. When the virus is suppressed to an undetectable level, it cannot be passed to a partner.
4. Myth 3 = HIV Is Rare Today, So You Don’t Need To Worry
The virus is less common than in past decades, but not rare. Adults in their 30s to 50s should still know how transmission works, and how PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) protects people.
5. Myth 4 = Oral Sex & Kissing is How People Catch HIV
Kissing, even with small cuts, is considered extremely low risk. It’s a common ‘what if’ situation people bring up to me in my clinic.
As for oral sex, the risk isn’t zero but I have never had a patient who contracted HIV through oral sex. The risk is higher with sores, bleeding, or if your partner has a very high viral load of HIV.
How To Think About Your Own Risk
Regular STI screening and asking your partners to get screened is very important. Using a condom lowers your risk immensely. PrEP exists.
Send Your Questions
I’m preparing a follow-up piece based on questions from the community. If you want to stay private, you can reply directly to this email or message me privately. If you prefer to comment publicly, you can drop your question below.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Mohammad Ashori is a U.S.-trained family medicine physician. The content shared here is for education and general guidance. It is not personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Humans are complicated and your personal details matter. Your healthcare team is your best resource before making medical decisions, changing medications, or managing symptoms. This information is to help you add more depth to those conversations.
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