Question

Does living with AIDS mean waiting to die?

27 July 2008. Related: All topics.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

No, not at all. Treatment has dramatically changed the life span of the people living with HIV/AIDS. In developed countries, we are already talking about a near to normal life expectancy, regardless of the HIV-infection.

Having said that, however, we should not forget that living with HIV/AIDS still poses major difficulties like dealing with stigma, taking medications on a daily basis, regular check-ups at the hospital, possible side effects, etc.

Avoiding infection is alway the best option but if you are unlucky and are diagnosed HIV-positive you can expect to have a lot of life left to live.

Much more work needs to be done also for equal access to treatment, so this also depends on where you live in the world.
I hope this gives you some food for thought.

All the best!