In the early 1980's the discovery of AIDS brought many unanswered questions and fears to the public. No one clearly understood how it was transferred from one person to another. Rumors flew about the disease and many people would have nothing to do with anyone who was diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Today, we know a much more about the way the disease is transmitted, and researchers and scientists are busy finding treatment choices, vaccines, and cures.

There are some ways you cannot get AIDS! Many of these myths persisted for years after scientists proved AIDS could not be transferred in these ways. The first myth buster is you can't get the virus by breathing the same air as an AIDS patient. It is not an airborne virus. You can only get the infection by coming into direct contact with body fluids of a patient who has the HIV virus.

You also cannot get AIDS from food or water. Again, it is only transferred by sexual contact or contact with body fluids of an individual who has HIV or AIDS. Yes, I know there was a myth flying around you could get AIDS by getting a mosquito bite, but again this is not true. Insects and animals cannot transfer the virus to a human. It is fine to adopt a pet from a person who has AIDS.

Giving blood cannot give you AIDS. The danger is in receiving tainted blood that has been donated by someone who has AIDS. Since 1985, this has been rare because all donated blood is run through tests to insure it is not infected with HIV. It is safe to give blood because all medical equipment used is sterilized and clean.

Last, you cannot get AIDS from having every-day contact with a person suffering from AIDS. Shaking hands, giving a hug, or being in the same room with an AIDS patient will not cause you to be infected.

In today's enlightened world we know that AIDS is spread through direct contact with body fluids of people who have been infected with HIV. You can get AIDS from practicing unsafe sex, from having multiple sexual partners, or born to or breast-fed from an HIV-positive woman. It is rare for someone to get AIDS by having a contaminated organ donation or from contact with unsanitary dental equipment.

You can be infected by sharing contaminated needles with other drug users, having sexually transmitted diseases or by having a contaminated blood transfusion before 1985. The AIDS virus can go undetected for over ten years but it is destroying the immune system without your knowledge.

If you have increased risk for developing AIDS, have a test regularly every year. Remember to be safe! You can get AIDS by both homosexual and heterosexual sexual activity. Take precautions with all of your sexual partners. If you are a member of the medical profession, take extra precautions to not touch a patient's bodily fluids.