Breaking the stigma of HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.

There's currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.

Earlier this year, Josh was told they had contracted the HIV virus.

In Josh’s own words, this is their story.

‘I wanted to take this opportunity to share my personal story, raise awareness, and help break the stigma surrounding HIV.

‘My journey with HIV began in an unexpected way and has taught me the importance of education, treatment, and understanding.

‘It all started when I was traveling home from Cumbria on the M6. I stopped to help a man who had been in a serious accident. In the process of assisting him, I unknowingly contracted HIV. I was on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication designed to prevent HIV, so when I attended my routine clinic appointment, I didn’t think much of it. However, during the visit, a rapid test revealed that I was HIV positive.

‘Receiving the diagnosis was a surreal moment. I was taken into a consultation room where a team of doctors and nurses explained what this meant for my health and my future. While I had some understanding of HIV, I wasn’t fully aware of the processes, potential complications, or what it truly meant to live with the condition. The thought of navigating life with HIV was overwhelming at first, but I quickly learned that with the right support and treatment, it was entirely manageable.

‘One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that HIV doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, or background. The misconception that HIV is confined to certain groups of people is one of the reasons stigma still exists.

‘My own story is proof of how unexpected life can be and why education and awareness are vital for everyone.

‘After my diagnosis, I had to confront my own internal stigma. I struggled with questions like, “Who should I tell?” and “How will people react?” Deciding which family members to confide in was a daunting process. I wanted to ensure I had the right support, but I also worried about how others might perceive me. These conversations were not easy, but they turned out to be pivotal. The support from both the Terrence Higgins Trust and the support I also received from those I chose to tell gave me the strength to focus on managing my health and moving forward.

‘Fast forward nine months, and while I am still HIV positive, I am also undetectable. This means the virus is controlled to the point where it cannot be detected in my blood and cannot be transmitted to others. This concept is known as U=U, which stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable.

‘This is all thanks to effective treatment – a single pill I take daily, which will now be part of my life. The medication not only helps me maintain my undetectable status but also prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS.

‘HIV is no longer a death sentence. With modern medication, people living with HIV can expect to live long, healthy lives. For me, it’s become something I manage alongside my daily routine, just like any other health condition. All I do now is attend a routine 12-month check-up appointment with my consultant and a six-month medication review. These simple steps ensure I stay healthy and maintain my undetectable status.

‘By sharing my story, I hope to challenge the outdated stereotypes about HIV and encourage more open conversations. It’s crucial for everyone to know that early testing, prevention, and treatment are key. If my experience inspires even one person to learn more or take action, then sharing it has been worth it.

‘Let’s continue to educate ourselves and support one another. Together, we can break the stigma.

‘Thank you for taking the time to read this.’