HIV: fact-checking

Important:

There is no risk from everyday contact with someone living with HIV.

HIV cannot be passed on by touching, sharing food, coughing, or using the same toilet.

Acting on facts rather than fear keeps everyone safe and supported.

Using standard infection control procedures, regardless of who you are treating, means you are protecting yourself and those you are caring for.

Clearing up common misunderstandings

The stigma around HIV often comes from outdated or incorrect information. By understanding the facts, we can help make services more welcoming and inclusive.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions – and what the evidence says.

Misconception: “You need to take extra precautions when supporting someone with HIV.”

Fact: Standard infection control procedures are all that’s needed. There is no need to wear double gloves, separate laundry and medical equipment, or use special cleaning products. Treating people differently reinforces stigma and creates unnecessary fear.

Misconception: “HIV can be passed on through touch, saliva, or sharing cups and plates.”

Fact: HIV is not passed on through casual contact. You can’t get HIV from hugging, holding hands, sharing food or drink, or using the same toilet.

Misconception: “HIV stops people from living a full life”.

Fact: People with HIV who are on effective treatment can live full, healthy lives. The treatment reduces the amount of virus in the body so that it can no longer be detected or passed on to others.

Misconception: “People with HIV always look ill.”

Fact: You can’t tell by looking if someone has HIV. Most people with HIV feel well and live full, active lives. Sometimes, people don’t know they have it until they get tested.

Misconception: “You should avoid personal care tasks if someone is living with HIV.”

Fact: There’s no reason to avoid providing care. Wearing gloves for tasks like wound care or cleaning up bodily fluids is standard for everyone – not just for people living with HIV.

Misconception: “None of my colleagues are living with HIV.”

Fact: You can’t tell if someone is living with HIV, and colleagues don’t have to disclose their status. For most roles in health and social care, this information isn’t required, and HIV doesn’t prevent someone from providing care, including tasks like feeding or personal care.

The only exception is for staff who perform exposure-prone procedures (EPPs), such as open surgery or caesareans. In these cases, everyone has a health check, including tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If someone with HIV is cleared to perform EPPs, their diagnosis stays confidential.

Key points to remember:

  • The best way to support people is by treating everyone with dignity, respect, and accurate information.
  • HIV does not spread through everyday contact.
  • Standard infection control procedures are enough – nothing extra is needed.
  • People on effective treatment cannot pass the virus on.

What you can do

  • Stick to the facts – use trusted sources like the NHS
  • Speak up if you hear someone sharing wrong information – gently correct them
  • Treat everyone with dignity – calm and respectful care helps reduce stigma and fear

You don’t need to be a medical expert to make a difference. Being informed, reassuring, and consistent helps break down barriers and builds trust, whilst making people feel safe and respected.