As viral illnesses spread, so do associated social perceptions, stigma, and seeds of misinformation. Interesting parallels can be drawn between the ongoing HIV epidemic and the more recent SARS-CoV-2 health crisis. This commentary discusses the similarities in public discourse surrounding viral origin, language used to describe viruses, the role of discrimination in pandemic messaging, and treatment and prevention practices regarding HIV and SARS-CoV-2. Learning from these parallel pandemics is critical in shaping approaches that address both existing and future public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]