Is HIV positive a big deal?

Myth #6: With all of the modern treatments, HIV is no big deal. Although there have been a lot of medical advancements in the treatment of HIV, the virus can still lead to complications, and the risk of death is still significant for certain groups of people.

Can you have HIV for 20 years and not know?

Some people have HIV for years before they know they have it. According to HIV.gov, symptoms of HIV may not appear for a decade or longer. This doesn’t mean that cases of HIV without symptoms are less serious. Also, a person who doesn’t experience symptoms could still transmit HIV to others.

How long can you live with HIV positive without knowing?

The average time from infection to death is eight to ten years. There is no generalized definitive period for which a person with HIV can live. In the case of an untreated HIV infection, the overall mortality rate is more than 90%. The average time from infection to death is eight to ten years.

How long does it take to turn HIV positive?

For the majority of people, HIV testing will be accurate at four to six weeks after possible infection. However, for some people it may take longer — up to three months — for detectable antibodies to develop.

Can I infect someone if my viral load is undetectable?

CDC Agrees That Person with Undetectable HIV Cannot Transmit the Virus. The agency has adopted the widely accepted position that an HIV-positive person with an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus through unprotected sex. If you can’t detect it, you can’t transmit it.

What causes viral load to increase?

An increase in viral load can occur for many reasons, such as: not taking antiretroviral medication consistently. the HIV has mutated (changed genetically) antiretroviral medication isn’t the right dose.

When did I find out I was HIV positive?

About 2 months ago I had an HIV positive diagnosis, and since then I’ve read and heard the story of people living with HIV and also newly infected cases, of how they suffer in silence, don’t tell their parents and friends, scared of discrimination, embarrassment, being accused of being reckless and causing disappointment.

Are there any HIV positive people in Mexico?

Mexico is hosting the first Latin American World Aids Conference this week. But what is life there like for people with the disease? Five HIV-positive people tell their stories, accompanied by their own snapshots. Main portraits by Gideon Mendel Ilsa Aguilar, an 18-year-old HIV-positive Mexican. Photograph: Gideon Mendel

Who are the 5 HIV positive people in the world?

Five HIV-positive people tell their stories, accompanied by their own snapshots. Main portraits by Gideon Mendel Ilsa Aguilar, an 18-year-old HIV-positive Mexican. Photograph: Gideon Mendel Eighteen years ago, I was working in a laboratory, and it was in that very place that I tested myself for HIV. The result was positive.

What’s the most difficult thing about being HIV positive?

Living with HIV personal stories and experiences Learning that you are HIV-positive can be one of the most difficult experiences you go through in life. You may feel scared, sad or even angry – this is OK, and a completely natural part of coping with something that can be life changing.