How It Feels to Be Diagnosed With HIV, According to People Who Live With It

The stigma that still persists with HIV has many consequences. First, it keeps people from wanting to get tested and from disclosing their status with their partners to avoid rejection. It also prevents people from starting or adhering to life-saving treatment out of fear of what other people will think.

Being diagnosed with HIV can be scary, but not knowing your status can put you and others in danger. When you treat HIV early and consistently, your chances of developing AIDS drops drastically. That is why it’s important to get routine HIV tests when you are sexually active. Learn more about the reasons to remain hopeful after you (or a loved one) receive an HIV diagnosis.

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Written by:

Hilary Weissman

Hilary Weissman has been a health writer for the past 6 years. She was a senior copywriter at WW (Weight Watchers) before joining GoodRx and was also a copy editor in S&P Global’s structured finance ratings group for 3 years prior.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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