In blooper, Punjab campaign says AIDS can spread through handshakes

New Delhi: AIDS, how it is spread and its subsequent transmission has been a sensitive subject, one that has been distorted to such an extent that many people have their facts all twisted.

AIDS or Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, is caused by HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus spread through certain body fluids, like semen, vaginal or rectal fluids, blood and breast milk. It attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells.

While its awareness, especially in developing countries, has always been encouraged, it unfortunately still remains one of the most stigmatised diseases and those suffering from it also suffer discrimination.

The fact that AIDS does not spread from touch has been stressed upon from time to time, since it is also one of the top-most myths people have about the disease.

However, looks like the Punjab State Aids Control Society (PSACS) needs some lessons, since it promoted exactly the opposite in one of its pamphlets which was published with an intent to provide awareness on AIDS.

According to a report published in India Today, the details of the pamphlet, which is written in Gurmukhi, says that AIDS can be transmitted by shaking hands with an infected person or even through using utensils used by an AIDS infected person.

The pamphlet further added that sharing things like mobile phones, computers used by an infected person and also using toilets used by an infected person can trigger transmission of the disease.