This past week, former "Two and a Half Men" star, Charlie Sheen, admitted or "confirmed" that he is, in fact, HIV positive. Rumors had previously been spread that Sheen had STDs, HIV, and even AIDS. But, on November 17, 2015 Charlie Sheen told Matt Lauer that he is HIV positive, and has been for the past four years. Sheen delivered the news to millions, and his doctor later joined him to help answer some further questions.
http://www.today.com/health/charlie-sheen-reveals-hes-hiv-positive-today-show-exclusive-t56391
Charlie's doctor, Dr. Robert Huizenga, said that Charlie's health is pristine and that his HIV is highly monitored. Charlie takes four pills a day to control the HIV virus, in order to keep it encapsulated and prevent it from turning into AIDS. Dr. Robert Huizenga made it a point to note: modern medicine allows people with the virus to live long, productive lives. While I know that this *disclaimer* is meant to inspire and give hope to people who might feel hopeless, I fear that this *disclaimer* could be taken the wrong way. HIV is dangerous; it is life-threatening. Yes, it can be treated, managed, to a certain extent, but only if you treat it.
If you have HIV and it goes untreated, you will die. If you have HIV and it goes untreated, you will contract AIDS and have an average* of 3 years to live.
Modern medicine does allow people with HIV to live long, productive lives... but with proper treatment. You need to know you have HIV, in order to treat your HIV, in order to live long, productive lives.
Charlie Sheen is under the close-care of a physician, takes medicine a daily basis (and will, until the day he dies), and has blood tests done, in order to check his levels, every few months. He is living a healthy, productive life, but certainly at a cost. Sheen said that right before he was diagnosed, he was experiencing terrible headaches. Some people develop flu-like symptoms when they contract the virus, but not all people do.
Charlie Sheen is a well-known actor. He is in the public eye. His diagnosis, his condition, is getting a lot of attention because he gets a lot of attention. But, just because you are not on the front-line of the media doesn't mean your diagnosis, your condition, shouldn't get the attention it deserves.
Did you know?
Over 50 percent of youth (18-24 yrs.) with HIV in the United States do not know they are infected.
Do you think that's scary? As a college student, 18-24 year olds are the people I go to classes with; I spend my life with people ages 18-24. And, there is a chance that some of them are HIV positive and don't know it. I think that's scary.
Yes. Charlie Sheen is HIV positive and living a healthy, productive life. But, Charlie Sheen is aware that he is HIV positive. Charlie Sheen is taking four pills a day. Charlie Sheen gets blood tests, frequently. Charlie Sheen is under the close care of a physician.
Charlie Sheen was tested, and that is the only way he knows he is HIV positive.
Yes. You can be HIV positive and live a healthy, productive life.but:
- you need to know you are HIV positive
- and, you need to act accordingly, medically
in order to live a healthy, productive life.
So, get tested. Play on the side of caution, because it could cost you your (healthy, productive) life.
Get tested-- do it for yourself, and do it for those around you.
