World AIDS Day is nearly upon us.
The annual Dec. 1 observation is a chance for people worldwide to unite to combat HIV, show support for people living with HIV and their families, and commemorate those who have lost their lives because of the disease.
Mental wellbeing is key to the overall health of an individual. But those affected by chronic diseases, such as HIV, can find themselves challenged to remain happy, vital and optimistic, and maintain the self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-worth that factor into wellbeing.
Individuals who have HIV are living longer. Part of that is because of better treatments; but the number of new infections among older individuals is also a factor.
People aged 50 and over account for about 45 percent of Americans living with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When it comes to HIV, we know so much more these days – except when it comes to our individual statuses. More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today, but one in seven of them don’t know it, according to HIV.gov.
As much as you might think you’re in tune with your physical health, you can’t afford to guess when it comes to your hepatitis C and HIV status.
Testing is crucial for these life-threatening viruses, which are almost impossible to detect without a test.