Most people know HIV and AIDS have been around for more than two decades as well as the fact that other sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ) , including hepatitis, have been around since time immemorial; however, many still do not know the basics. To that end, Windy City Times talked with Beau Gratzer, the men's health promotion manager at Howard Brown Health Center, to separate fact from fallacy.
Myth: There are only a couple types of hepatitis ( liver disease ) . Fact: Add three to that couple, Gratzer said. According to him, ' [ t ] here are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A, B and C happen most frequently in the United States. Hepatitis D needs Hepatitis B in order to exist. Hepatitis E mostly happens abroad in underdeveloped areas.' ( Types are from different viruses. )
Myth: A person always turns yellow if infected with hepatitis. Fact: 'Different people have different symptoms and many people have no symptoms,' Gratzer noted. 'Not everyone turns yellow, but it's a common symptom. If people get jaundice [ where they turn yellow ] , it can happen not only on the skin but in the whites of their eyes. Other symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and joint pain.'
Myth: Once you are vaccinated against hepatitis, you are safe. Fact: According to Gratzer, this myth is a complex one. 'If you receive all three shots against hepatitis A and B—which are the only ones currently vaccine-preventable—most people are protected. However, a very small proportion of the population does not acquire immunity.'
Myth: Hepatitis C is a terminal illness. Fact: This is not true, Gratzer contended, although he added that 'it can lead to a terminal illness. Hepatitis C can become a chronic disease; however, in and of itself, it does not kill someone. It's a leading cause of chronic liver disease, and the leading indication that a liver transplant is needed.'
Myth: More people in the United States have HIV than have hepatitis. Fact: 'That is definitely a myth,' he said. 'Approximately 4 million in this country are infected with hepatitis C alone.'
Myth: With respect to unprotected anal and vaginal sex, the top partner is at low risk for contracting HIV. Fact: 'I wouldn't say low,' Gratzer responded. 'Though the receptive partner is considered to be at greater risk, being the top is still a high-risk activity when not using a condom.'
Myth: You can't get HIV from oral sex ( without a condom ) . Fact: Gratzer conceded that this statement is complicated. 'It's very difficult to contract HIV that way, although it does happen. The best ways to protect yourself are: not getting semen or vaginal secretions in your mouth, not doing it if you have a throat infection ( including other STDs ) , and maintaining good oral health. Other STDs, such as gonorrhea and herpes, can be easily transmitted through oral sex, though.'
Myth: Drug cocktails help everyone with HIV/AIDS. Fact: According to Gratzer, ' [ b ] eing on medication and adhering to the medication that you're prescribed does help, for the most part. Some drugs work better for some people than they do for others. There are so many cocktails that it's hard to answer that question with a simple yes or no.' However, he also noted that other factors may play a role, such as a person's immune system.
Myth: The number of people infected with HIV is decreasing in the United States. Fact: 'Not true,' he said. 'There are two ways to look at that. The number of people currently infected and living with HIV and AIDS is increasing, because we've seen less mortality ( death ) —so more people are living with the disease. The second way to look at it is by looking at the number of new infections that occur every year; that has been relatively stable over the past few years ( 40,000 per year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) .'
Myth: You can get HIV from kissing or through insect transmission. Fact: Again, this is a myth, according to Gratzer. 'HIV is not transmissible by kissing or from insects.'
Myth: HIV causes AIDS. Fact: This statement may seem like a no-brainer to most; however, some believe otherwise. 'Right now, it is agreed upon in the scientific community that HIV is the cause of AIDS,' Gratzer said. 'There have been some theories that HIV and AIDS are unrelated; however, the consensus ( including every major medical association ) is that HIV causes AIDS. It is important to note that not everyone with HIV develops AIDS.'
Myth: You can contract STDs from toilets. Fact: According to Gratzer, ' [ i ] t is highly unlikely that transmission of an STD would occur from a toilet seat. STDs are transmitted most often through direct sexual contact with an infected individual. It is possible, but also unlikely, to get parasites like crabs ( pubic lice ) or scabies from a toilet seat.' However, he said that protecting yourself is pretty easy: 'Washing your hands after using the restroom is the best protection against disease, as the common cold virus and some intestinal viruses can be spread by touching your mouth, nose or eyes after coming into contact with them.'
Myth: A person cannot have more than one STD at a time. Fact: 'Oh, that's absolutely false,' Gratzer said. 'We see people with multiple STDs all the time. Common [ combinations ] that we see include: chlamydia and gonorrhea; syphilis and gonorrhea; and HIV and syphilis.'
Myth: STDs can be cured. Fact: 'Some STDs can be cured; it depends on the type,' Gratzer answered. 'If it's bacterial ( like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis ) , it can be cured with antibiotics. However, if it's viral ( like HIV/AIDS, herpes and genital warts ) , it cannot be—although it can be monitored and treated.'
Myth: If you've had an STD and get treated, you can't get it again. Fact: This was a myth that Gratzer added to the list. 'This is absolutely not true,' he said. 'People can be re-infected. It's essential for people being treated for an STD to let their partners know they should be tested and treated. Otherwise, they run the risk of being re-infected by their regular partner ( s ) . It's also important to let them know for the health of our community.'
See www.howardbrown.org .
