So I'm sitting here at work and one of my co-workers mentions that today is World AIDS Day.

"Oh…ok. So like, are we supposed to give money or something?"

I interrupt her and tell her how today's a day around the world where we remember our loved ones, reflect on the past, hope for the future, and fight for a cure. Her response?

"Well I'm married. That can't happen to me. I mean, they have to draw blood to take an AIDS test. And I don't even give blood because I can't stand needles. And it takes so long to wait for results. And all these people will know…and I have to go to a clinic…I'd just rather not know."

Imagine me whaling on her with a shillelagh the size of Gary Coleman. I mean, really.

Let's debunk some popular myths about AIDS tests, shall we?

1. Myth: AIDS is a disease by gay men and junkies. Fact: AIDS does not discriminate. Aside from women making up a growing percentage of adults living with HIV/AIDS around the world–rising from 41% in 1997 to 50% in 2002–people of all ages living in every state in the US and countries around the world. It's the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide and the number one cause of death in Africa.
2. Myth: AIDS and HIV are the same thing. Fact: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV disease. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) allows opportunistic infections to occur due to a weakened immune system, thereby making a person more susceptible to a host of other diseases.
3. Myth: They can only test you for AIDS by means of drawing blood. Fact: Current AIDS tests also include oral and urine samples. These tests can produce results within a few days to two weeks.
4. Myth: It always takes a long period of time to determine an AIDS test result. Fact: Through amazing advances in medical technology, some HIV test results can be determined in as little as 20 minutes. Methods include drawing blood serum, finger pricking and an oral sample.
5. Myth: You have to go to a clinic or hospital to get an AIDS test. Fact: Home Access, the only home HIV test approved by the FDA can be purchased from most drug stores and follows simple, step-by-step instructions for administering the test yourself. Results are 99.9% accurate within 3-7 business days, and results can be obtained either through the mail or by phone, with phone counselors standing by for additional help.
6. Myth: If I test positive, everyone will know. Fact: Only if you tell them! If you have privacy concerns, talk with your healthcare provider before the test. In the U.S., anonymous test results are available.
7. Myth: I can still give blood if I'm gay, right? Fact: Sadly…no. Using FDA guidelines, the Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines explicitly exclude men who have sex with men anytime since 1977 from donating blood. However, all blood donated is ran through an HIV test.

Sources: KnowHIVAIDS.org, RedCross.org, SouthernVoice.com, Home Access