Myth 2 HIV is only a Gay Man's Disease In the 1980s HIV/AIDS was a disease that primarily affected gay men. However, the face of HIV/AIDS has changed considerably over the past decade. The proportions of youth, women, Aboriginal people, injection drug users, and heterosexual people becoming infected with HIV have increased dramatically.
It is important to remember that HIV infection has nothing to do with what or who you are but with what you do. HIV is NOT spread by insect bites, toilets seats, food handling, hugs and kisses. HIV is spread through high-risk behaviors-especially unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles. Remember, HIV does not discriminate-everyone is susceptible. (All numbers according to Health Canada HIV/AIDS & STD EPI Updates: May, 1999). |
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