Today is World AIDS Day, an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day is the first-ever global health day. Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, monument strides have been made in the scientific community to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Most notably in recent years, the advent of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the now-common use of medication to reduce HIV viral loads to undetectable levels, have made the end of the AIDS epidemic a medical possibility. PrEP helps reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection via a daily pill. It can also stop the virus from taking residence and spreading in the body. The combination of safe sex practices and PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting HIV by 99%.
In an interview with WebMD, Atlanta resident Joseph Wolfe shared the story of his HIV diagnosis. He noted how while the initial diagnosis was challenging, especially when he had to inform his boyfriend, his doctor’s support was crucial in assuaging his fears.
“Some days I think I need to plan for my retirement. On other days I think I don’t need to worry, I won’t live that long. But it is mostly good now that I am getting all the facts,” he said. “My doctor puts into perspective how good the medicines are and how the medical field has advanced in the last 20 years.”
He advises others to practice safe sex and urges others not to ignore HIV, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. Wolfe still struggles with the social stigma associated with HIV and has largely kept his diagnosis to himself. However, he maintains a positive outlook. As an HIV-positive patient receiving proper care, he can expect to live just as long as any other person.
“Right now I just take it one day at a time and hope that I can continue on these meds as long as I can. When the time comes to change, I’ll deal with that. I trust my doctor’s optimistic outlook, which is very comforting.”