More then 20 per cent of people believe HIV can be transmitted through kissing.

According to a new survey by HIV Scotland, there are still strong misconceptions about people with live HIV and the ways it be transmitted to other people.

The survey found that a large portion of people believe it can be passed through saliva with 14 per cent thinking it be transmitted by coughing, sneezing and spitting.

Despite recent progress in treatments and awareness about the condition, only 37 per cent say they are “well-informed” and 40 per cent saying they have moderate knowledge of it.

Only three per cent said they didn’t know anything about it.

They were then asked to rate a series of statements on HIV and 46 per cent agreed with “the information I get on HIV comes from TV and read in newspapers”. Eight per cent strongly agreed.

Under half (42 per cent) admitted they wouldn’t know where to get treatment if they were diagnosed.

Thankfully 99 per cent of people knew that it can be transmitted through sharing needles and 98 per cent were aware it can be spread through unprotected sex.

Eleven per cent didn’t know whether HIV could be passed through kissing or not and 14 per cent admitted they weren’t sure if it could be transmitted through coughing, sneezing or spitting.

George Valiotis, director of HIV Scotland, said: “It is dangerous that myths and outdated information remain so widespread.

“Their prevalence misleads and misinforms people of the 21st century reality of HIV and devastates relationships and lives.

“It is time that everyone knows that HIV cannot be passed on via saliva, kissing or sharing cutlery.”

Shockingly, the survey also looked into people’s perceptions of HIV treatment and 47 per cent didn’t know a pill exists that prevents HIV infection despite PrEP existing.