HIV Facts vs. Fiction Quiz

HIV Facts vs. Fiction

Sister, let's have an honest conversation about HIV. We're going to tackle some myths that might be floating around our communities, families, and churches. No judgment here - just real talk with love and respect for where you're coming from.

How This Works

Below you'll find 13 statements about HIV. For each one, we'll tell you whether it's FACT or FICTION, followed by an explanation that gives you the real story. Take your time reading through each one.

Question 1 of 13
You can tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them.
❌ FICTION

The Reality:

HIV can affect anyone regardless of how they look or appear. Many people with HIV live healthy, active lives and show no visible signs of the virus. The only way to know someone's HIV status is through testing. This is why regular testing is so important for everyone who is sexually active.

Source: CDC Guidelines on HIV Testing

Question 2 of 13
Black women are at higher risk for HIV mainly because of their own behavior choices.
❌ FICTION

Let's Talk About What's Really Going On:

This myth puts blame where it doesn't belong. Black women face real barriers that have nothing to do with personal choices - like living in areas with fewer clinics, dealing with healthcare providers who don't look like us or understand our experiences, and having partners who may not have had access to testing or treatment. In Louisiana, these challenges are especially real in rural areas and communities that have been underserved for generations.

Source: Louisiana Office of Public Health Community Health Assessment

Question 3 of 13
Taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) daily can reduce your risk of getting HIV by over 90%.
📚 FACT

The Science:

PrEP is highly effective when taken consistently. Studies show it reduces HIV risk by 92-99% when taken daily. PrEP is available through healthcare providers and many insurance plans cover it. In Louisiana, there are programs to help make PrEP accessible regardless of insurance status.

Source: CDC PrEP Guidelines 2023

Question 4 of 13
If your partner says they've been tested, you don't need to see the results yourself.
❌ FICTION

Protecting Yourself Isn't About Not Trusting:

In our community, we're often taught to 'stand by our man' and not question too much. But asking to see test results isn't about being suspicious - it's about loving yourself enough to stay healthy. Sometimes people think they've been tested when they only got basic blood work, or they may be scared to share bad news. Having that conversation shows you both care about building something real together.

Source: National Women's Health Network

Question 5 of 13
HIV can be transmitted through mosquito bites, sharing food, or casual contact like hugging.
❌ FICTION

How HIV is Actually Transmitted:

HIV is only transmitted through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. It cannot survive in saliva, sweat, or tears in amounts that would cause infection. Everyday activities like sharing meals, hugging, or even sharing a bathroom are completely safe.

Source: CDC HIV Transmission Guidelines

Question 6 of 13
Getting tested for HIV at a clinic will affect your insurance or employment.
❌ FICTION

Your Business Stays Your Business:

We know there's a lot of fear about privacy in our communities - and for good reason, given how we've been treated in the past. But HIV testing is protected by strict privacy laws. Your results can't be shared with employers, insurance companies, or anyone else without your permission. In Louisiana, places like CrescentCare and community health centers offer confidential testing, and many offer it for free with no questions asked about insurance or immigration status.

Source: HIPAA Privacy Laws & Louisiana Public Health Law

Question 7 of 13
Black women in the South have higher rates of HIV, mainly due to limited access to healthcare and prevention resources.
📚 FACT

Addressing Health Disparities:

This is unfortunately true, but it's important to understand why. Factors include limited access to healthcare, historical medical mistrust, poverty, and lack of comprehensive sex education. However, there are many programs working to change this, including free testing sites, PrEP access programs, and community health initiatives throughout Louisiana.

Source: Louisiana Department of Health HIV Surveillance Report

Question 8 of 13
If you're a 'good girl' who goes to church and doesn't sleep around, you don't need to worry about HIV.
❌ FICTION

God Loves You No Matter What:

This myth is painful because it makes HIV seem like punishment for being 'bad.' But we know that's not how God works, and it's not how HIV works either. Church ladies, devoted wives, and women who've only had one partner can and do get HIV. Your worth as a person and as a woman of faith has nothing to do with your HIV status. Taking care of your health - including knowing your status - is actually showing love for the body God gave you.

Source: Faith-Based HIV Prevention Guidelines

Question 9 of 13
If someone has an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV to their partners.
📚 FACT

U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable:

When someone with HIV takes their medication consistently and maintains an undetectable viral load for at least 6 months, they cannot sexually transmit HIV. This is one of the most important advances in HIV prevention. It means people with HIV can have healthy relationships and families without fear of transmission.

Source: NIH HIV Treatment Guidelines

Question 10 of 13
Asking your healthcare provider about PrEP means they'll think you're promiscuous or judge your lifestyle.
❌ FICTION

You Have Every Right to Protect Yourself:

We've all been in situations where we felt judged by healthcare providers - it's a real experience for many Black women. But asking about PrEP shows you're taking charge of your health, period. If a provider makes you feel judged, that says something about them, not you. Look for clinics that specifically serve our community with respect. Organizations like the National Black Women's HIV/AIDS Network can help you find culturally competent care in Louisiana.

Source: American Medical Association Guidelines on Patient Care

Question 11 of 13
You have to wait months after potential exposure to get an accurate HIV test.
❌ FICTION

Testing Timeline:

Modern HIV tests are much faster than people think. Fourth-generation tests can detect HIV as early as 18-45 days after exposure, and some newer tests work even sooner. If you think you've been exposed, see a healthcare provider right away - there are also emergency prevention options available within 72 hours.

Source: CDC HIV Testing Guidelines

Question 12 of 13
HIV treatment today allows people to live long, healthy lives with a normal life expectancy.
📚 FACT

Hope and Health:

With today's HIV medications, people diagnosed early and who take their medication consistently can expect to live as long as someone without HIV. The medications are much easier to take than in the past - often just one pill per day with few side effects. The key is early detection and consistent care.

Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2023

Question 13 of 13
If you're trying to get pregnant, you should stop taking PrEP because it's not safe during pregnancy.
❌ FICTION

PrEP and Pregnancy:

PrEP is safe during pregnancy and can actually be very important for protecting both mother and baby. If you're trying to conceive and your partner's HIV status is unknown or positive, continuing PrEP helps prevent transmission. Always discuss your pregnancy plans with your healthcare provider to make the best plan for your situation.

Source: CDC Guidelines for PrEP Use During Pregnancy

You Did It, Queen! 🎉

Thank you for taking time to learn about HIV prevention. Knowledge is power, and you're not just empowering yourself - you're empowering your daughters, your sisters, and your community.

Remember: Taking care of your sexual health is taking care of yourself. You deserve healthcare providers who respect you, partners who communicate honestly, and communities that support your well-being. If you have questions about HIV testing or prevention, reach out to a healthcare provider who sees your worth.