When thinking about stigma and discrimination, a good place to start might be to consider how irrational and inaccurate they are.

Stigma and discrimination are usually based on ignorance and prejudice. There are some common misconceptions about HIV, and it’s worth reminding yourself that these views are factually incorrect.

In fact, HIV is difficult to pass on. It cannot be passed on during day-to-day contact such as hugging, shaking hands or sharing crockery.

People who are taking HIV treatment and have an undetectable viral load do not pass on HIV to their sexual partners. Condoms are also extremely effective.

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented in nearly all cases with the right treatment and care.

Untreated HIV can be fatal and people do still become ill because of HIV. But HIV treatment is highly effective. Most people who are diagnosed and receive HIV treatment at the right time, take it as prescribed, and look after their health will live a long and healthy life.

HIV treatment is highly cost-effective and enables people to live full and productive lives. Without treatment, people with HIV will eventually become extremely ill. They will then need medical care that is much more expensive.

If people moved to the UK because of the free health care, they would probably start to use health services soon after they arrived. In fact, the average length of time between a person arriving in the UK and getting care from an HIV clinic is five years.

Also, HIV rates are lower in people moving to the UK than in the countries they come from.

Receiving an HIV diagnosis will change your life. Some people living with HIV experience health problems, loneliness, exclusion, poverty or unhappiness.

But many people living with HIV maintain and form new close relationships, have the support of their families, have children, have fulfilling love and sex lives, maintain and develop careers, and make plans for the future.