That's according to the Sexual Health Centre
They say myths about the transmission of HIV are alive and well here Leeside.
Every week, 10 cases of HIV are diagnosed, with almost half of these in people under the age of 35.
Speaking to RedFM News Executive Director of the Sexual Health Centre in Cork Martin Davoren says many people in Cork with HIV are suffering with their mental well being because of the stigma that still exists in the community:
'When we spoke to young people in Cork, we found that they were ruminating over their HIV diagnosis. Feeling a sense of isolation around their HIV that was driven by community stigma and misinformation and myths. About a quarter of people still believe that you can contract HIV from kissing, people still believe that you can contract HIV from sharing utensils, and that is not true. Treatment has come on so far that if you were on effective treatment, you will never pass on the HIV virus.'
