Sat Nov 30 18:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Misconception About AIDS Leads to Positive Diagnosis in Young Indian Man
**Visakhapatnam, India – November 30, 2024** – A 21-year-old mechanic’s belief that AIDS is eradicated in India led to a delayed diagnosis after he tested positive for HIV. The young man, who sought treatment for recurrent fever, revealed to his doctor, Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao, that he had engaged in unprotected sex, believing the disease was no longer a threat.
Dr. Rao, a general physician with extensive experience in HIV/AIDS, highlighted the persistent danger of the virus and the lack of a vaccine. He emphasized the importance of safe sex practices, particularly for individuals with multiple partners or who share needles.
India, possessing the second-highest number of AIDS patients globally (after South Africa), needs to continue robust awareness campaigns, according to Dr. Rao. He pointed out that stigma remains a significant barrier, preventing many from seeking testing and treatment for fear of societal rejection. Besides risky sexual behaviour (accounting for approximately 70% of cases), the doctor cited shared needles among drug users and unsterile tattooing needles as contributing factors to the spread of HIV.
Dr. Rao stressed the availability of preventive measures, including condoms, vaginal rings, and antiretroviral therapies (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). He urged continued public health efforts to combat both the virus and the pervasive stigma surrounding it.
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