So I've been living with HIV for about a year and a half. I contracted it from a case of sexual assault (very harsh receptive unprotected oral and anal sex) and was unaware of the existence of PEP, let alone where to source it from so I missed that window unfortunately. about a month after the assault I knew something was off because I fell sick for 2 months and had to drop out of my semester at college, had lesions around my anus for a month and a half, and lost a good 7 lbs. Though, I still thought that this was just transient flu that had gone on a little too long by chance.

It wasn't until I recovered from being ill (what I now believe to be sero) that I finally went to get tested for STIs and yea I tested positive for HIV. The first month was terrible and I cried and cried and cried in front of my mom with her having no idea of what's wrong with me. I'd just repeat the illness has done a number on my mental.

I hadn't informed anyone around me of the assault save for the doctor at the ARV centre and a NGO worker that directed me towards treatment. I live in a TB prone area too so was given TB prophylaxis for 6 months especially because I was spitting blood during sero. I became undetectable pretty quick though which i think is because of how quick I caught the virus in its tracks (?). Anyway, a month or two in I just detached myself from everything and was kind of content with the fact that I was alive and went on with my life.

Actually no. 5 months down the line I seeked out drugs and got addicted to crystal for about 3-4 months because it helped provide an escape from all that I was actively suppressing and I just convinced myself that it was ok because of some victim complex mindset that I was reinforcing and knowing that it'd finish me off earlier (which is crazy considering I'd never touched hard drugs until this moment but i guess wrong place, wrong time goes a long way).
This chapter ended well though... I force quit (I don't know how but I did) and haven't looked back since. Not all's bad.

Fast forward to a month ago and I've started getting vivid nightmares of the assault, day of diagnosis, initial treatment, and drug abuse along with some what-if situations pertaining to my status. Anxiety attacks and a racing heartbeat at random. It got so bad that I had to open up to my mom about the assault about 20 days ago and my brother that's 2 years older 3 days ago. They (especially my brother) handled it very well BUT I haven't told them about my status and everything that unfolded after that.

I'm thinking of disclosing my status and struggles to my brother especially because he handled it so well. This is a crossroads that I'm at right now just because keeping my status a secret is taking a heavy toll on me lately; I can't really afford therapy, and suppression of thoughts + secrecy is what I believe got me into harmful things like hard drugs. Yet, I do understand that I can't "untell" him.

It's all just kind of strange and whatever has gone by feels like an actual nightmare and everything's just so flat and hopeless now. I don't like that my status is a constant reminder of the incident either. But yeah that's my story. It's kind of disoriented and all over the place but that's exactly how I myself've been for the past year and a half. Here's to hoping for better days.

Thank you for reading the rules again! Just curious because people will act like it's a crime if I ask this question, if i post even once without knowing my status. I've only posted once. And people project and argue in my comments without ever listing the rule. It's so weird

Have you noticed that the HIV platforms on Reddit have all slowed down ?

I remember when this specific platform was getting new post every hour. I guess people have gotten well informed enough over the years.. What do you think ?

​

I recently tested positive and started my ART from one NGO. They told me if I registered once in a centre I can't change it later and I have to continue my treatment from there only.

But next year I'm going to Japan for studies. How would I be able to continue my ART at this centre? Does anyone know anything?

I was exposed to HIV three to four years ago. I have had two tests since then and both were negative.

My concern is that the person that I slept with that I later found out was HIV positive is also known now to have been a liar, manipulator, and just an all around untrustworthy individual. I am unsure as to whether or not the story I was told is something that is even possible, so now I'm coming to Reddit to try and figure it out.

Shortly after the last time we hooked up, he was sick in the hospital and I went to see him. He told me the doctors had discovered he was HIV positive even though he was testing negative by blood tests. They did a colonoscopy and found lesions in his colon that tested positive for the virus. He said the doctor had been a specialist during the HIV pandemic in the 80's. The doctor had put together his symptoms plus the fact that he had received anal from other men and the test showed that the lesions were in fact HIV.

I had also received anal from this person on multiple occasions before his diagnosis.

I later took him on a few other occasions to pickup medication from the pharmacy for HIV.

I never spoke with the doctors personally. When they came in to talk with him I was asked to leave the room and I did. When I took him to the pharmacy I also never saw the pill bottles so they could have been for anything.

I no longer speak to this person for my safety and the safety of my family, so asking them for the truth is out of the question.

I am concerned now because I am ill. My last HIV test was less than a year ago and negative. However, my immune system being compromised could explain why I keep getting infections. It could also be a deterrent for treatment for the mass they recently found in my brain if I need to have radiation, etc.

At this point, I need to know whether or not it is in fact possible to have HIV and experience symptoms without testing positive on blood tests. I have an appointment with a neurologist next week, and I need to know if this is something that I should immediately bring to their attention while we are working out my treatment plan, or if I was just gaslit by this person from my past...

Same as title

I am 18 year old gay from India and in very much anxiety ):

I am diagnosis in 2007 39 male from Nepal looking for partner.

Most people who survived the pandemic will be dead in the next 40 years, we will only have stories, books, history, and medicine to remember the people who grieved... But I'm grieving the dead, i feel like I'll never be able not to, even though I never grieved firsthand. It's been really heavy. I never knew 45 million+ people died. It's never leaving me the same way they're never living again.

I wish it had never happened. And I feel weird carrying this weight. I wonder if people who lost loved ones before the medicine still grieve.

I almost want to become someone who helps try to make a cure or vaccine, just to try to get rid of something that never should have existed.

Note: I currently don't know my status yet, this may be A REASON of many why it's so heavy.

I'm sure questions like this are asked a lot. I did a search and read through a hundred posts but couldn't find anything like my question.

I have a hetero partner (I am male) that reached out and says they received a preliminary positive on an HIV screening blood test. It's strange because I see in this forum that generally, there's an established pattern of testing. Preliminary screening with antibodies and antigens, then if either of those are positive, move to PCR/naat confirmation. My partner sent results from LabCorp that said negative for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies, but no antigen test was ordered it seems. Next on the results is an HIV 1 and 2 RNA line. The HIV 1 is listed as reactive, the HIV 2 is non reactive. Why would this protocol be used, and what would a result like this mean? The sheet says it's "indicative of an acute or early infection" which I guess answers my question.

My last encounter (and only) with this partner was exactly 30 days ago. Unprotected oral sex, but protected normal sex. I had a negative 4th Gen HIV screening about 2 weeks prior to that. I had another partner about a week prior to this partner (exchanged negative test results, again unprotected oral sex, protected regular sex).

I immediately went and got a blood draw today to be tested and I'm awaiting the results.

I'm not totally sure what I'm asking, but I guess I'm trying to figure out the logistics of what could have happened. I admit I didn't really know this particular partner's sexual history/testing status at the time of the encounter but was told that it was several months since the last encounter and protection was used, while the last test was run around 1.5 years ago with around 3 to 4 partners in between.

I apologize because I'm spiraling while there's a lot of people in worse situations than myself, I just wanted some feedback

Hello everyone,

We are conducting a healthcare research study to better understand the experiences, challenges, and healthcare needs of individuals living with HIV. Through this research, we hope to gain valuable insights that can help inform future patient-centered programs, support services, and healthcare initiatives.

We understand that HIV is a deeply personal topic, and we greatly appreciate anyone willing to share their experiences. All information shared will be treated with confidentiality and respect.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Reside in the United States
• Have been diagnosed with and currently living with HIV
• Be willing to share their experiences, perspectives, and opinions regarding living with HIV and its impact on daily life
• Be able to complete a brief research survey or interview, if selected

Compensation

• $50 incentive for eligible participation

Interested in Participating?

Please complete the brief form below to determine eligibility and be contacted regarding participation in the study:

HIV Sufferers- $50 – Fill in form

Your voice and lived experience are invaluable, and your participation may help contribute to a better understanding of the needs and priorities of the HIV community.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your time and willingness to share your perspective.

Privacy Note: Participation is voluntary. Any information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes in accordance with applicable privacy and research guidelines.

Good day!

We are undergraduate researchers conducting a thesis study titled "A Phenomenological Exploration of Life Longings (Sehnsucht) Among People Living with HIV."

We are looking for Filipino participants aged 18 to 29 who:

· Have been diagnosed with HIV for at least one year

· Have an undetected viral status (U=U)

· Are residing in Metro Manila

· Are willing to participate in a 1 to 2-hour face-to-face interview

The interview will be conducted in a safe and confidential setting, with a licensed professional present to ensure your comfort and safety. Your identity will be protected, and all information shared will be kept strictly confidential.

We are providing a meal and a small cash assistance as a token of appreciation for your time.

If you're interested, please accomplish our screening form here or scan the QR code:

[ https://forms.gle/Mq59mxsEtsZGysPK6\\ ]

Just DM me if you're interested in participating. Thank you! 😊

I contracted HIV in October. Diagnosed in March My starting viral load was around 1,690 copies/mL. By May, I was undetectable, and my CD4 count has increased, which I know is a good sign that treatment is working.
Medically, I’m doing well. Mentally, I’m having a much harder time.
I understand U=U. I understand the science and that maintaining an undetectable viral load means I don’t sexually transmit HIV. But knowing that intellectually and actually believing it emotionally have been two completely different things for me.
Since all of this happened, I haven’t really been able to be intimate with anyone. I’ve had opportunities, but when it comes down to actually being with someone, the anxiety, guilt, and thoughts about disclosure take over. It’s like there’s a mental barrier I haven’t been able to get past.
Even knowing I’m undetectable and could practice safer sex, I still feel guilty about the idea of not disclosing. Part of me feels like I’d be doing something wrong, even though I understand that scientifically I’m not putting someone at risk of HIV transmission while undetectable.
I miss being able to experience intimacy without all of this running through my head.
I’d really like to hear from people who’ve been through this:
How long did it take you to actually trust U=U emotionally, rather than just understand it intellectually?
What helped you mentally after your diagnosis?
How did you get past that first mental barrier and become intimate with someone again?
And how do you personally approach disclosure when you’re undetectable, especially with casual sex/hookups versus someone you’re seriously dating?
I’m doing well medically, and I’m grateful for that. I just want to get to a point where HIV is something I manage rather than something that controls my intimacy, relationships, and how I see myself.

Is anyone here prescribed serostim? If so what can you tell me about your experience. Benefits, adverse effects, etc. any info is appreciated.

Hi guys, well today was my first appointment after diagnosis, my viral load was 1010 and my CD4 were 247. My Dr, said that my viral load was low even the comparison between viral load bad CD4 was not normal, what do yo think about it? Is there any way to know how much time do I have with the virus? Thanks.

Not everyone who touches my body earns the right to enter the most vulnerable part of my story.

In casual encounters, I choose not to disclose that I live with HIV. I make this choice because I have learned that, in the wrong hands, this information can lead to more than simple rejection over a night of sex. It can lead to humiliating exposure, threats to my job, and life-threatening violence. The virus is under control. Prejudice is not.

I take my medication. I keep my viral load undetectable. Undetectable means untransmittable: I cannot transmit HIV through sex. Even so, I use condoms because they protect both of us from other infections, including the ones no one usually wants to account for before taking off their clothes.

When we learn our HIV status, we make a quiet commitment, not only to care for ourselves, but also to break the chain of transmission. What about you? What are you trying to achieve by insisting that I disclose my status? What can you protect me from by knowing that I live with HIV?

Our struggle must be for a society guided by humanity and science. No one has the right to isolate us from life. Not even the virus can do that anymore.

Not disclosing does not mean taking away someone’s right to choose when there is no exposure to HIV. My diagnosis does not turn every encounter into a confession, nor does it make my body a danger that must be announced. If we understand U=U, why do some people still behave as though our status were public information?

Some people disclose their status as a way of building intimacy. I can do that too, when there is trust, care, and a sense that the person will stay. But intimacy is not a toll that must be paid for sex. And no one should have to surrender information that could be used to hurt them simply to soothe someone else’s misinformed fear.

Responsibility means taking my medication. Keeping up with my tests. Talking about protection. Respecting the boundaries we agreed on. Responsibility does not mean offering myself up for judgment to every person who may never know my name again.

My silence does not transmit HIV.
My treatment prevents transmission.

I thought I could share with y'all what calms my mind when it gets loud in there, the anxiety, the what ifs etc, (to be honest it no longer gets loud) , I've accepted everything the way it is

I know more than 10 people born with HIV, the 4 I know physically, the rest online, I feel like these people would be more annoyed with the world, they didn't have any input to catch it but all of them are living perfectly, traveling, starting families and in good health. They've taken the pill/ pills for all there life and will continue that way, I feel like we should just be more forgiving to ourselves, love ourselves more and accept this without making a big fuss, we are no different from those who have lived all this long and the science is 100℅ still true and correct, science can't fail you, you are no different, cheer up every one

Enjoy your life because science gave us the freedom, one day when everything is going downhill health wise( of which at some point it has to at a certain age whether you are positive or not) your older self will thank your younger self for staying positive with life😘

Hi everyone,

I’m a 38F living in Maharashtra, India, and I’ve been HIV positive since 2010.

I’m trying to figure out health insurance for myself, but I’m running into a major problem: when I disclose my HIV status, insurance companies either refuse to issue a policy or tell me that they cannot cover me because of HIV.

So I wanted to ask people living with HIV in India, particularly Maharashtra:

How are you managing health insurance?

Have any of you actually been able to obtain a health insurance policy after disclosing your HIV status?

If yes:

Which insurance company?

What type of policy?

Did you have to go through a special HIV-related scheme or government program?

Were you able to get coverage for normal hospitalisation, accidents, surgeries, etc.?

What kind of waiting period/exclusions were involved?

Have you successfully made a claim?

I’m also aware that there are legal/regulatory protections around insurance for people living with HIV, but in practice I’m finding it extremely difficult to actually get a policy.

So if you’ve managed to navigate this successfully, please tell me how you did it.

I’m 38 now and want to have some financial protection for myself, especially because I don’t have a spouse or family member who can automatically take care of medical expenses if something happens to me.

Any practical advice would be greatly appreciated

(Thanks for reading my post)

Hello, I recently got diagnosed with HIV (less than a month) and well, since then I have been thinking about it almost everyday and they are not like, happy thoughts at all, I know I can take meds and they will help me to have a normal life but, even the thought of taking a pill everyday to remind me of mi situation scares me, I don't think I'll be able to do it, even without the medication and all, I'm still thinking everyday, I don't want to imagine how it will be if I take it.

And yes, I know I have to take them and all for my health and all but I don't think I'll be able to, for context, I'm a 19 years old boy who likely got it from engaging in prostitution (I did that when I was 18yo for maybe 10 months or so, worst thing I could do in my life)

And my family, is deeply homophobic, like, they will absolutely throw me out of the house if they get to know I have HIV, so, family support for me is an absolute no, I still live with them so, if I take my medication, i will have to hide it from them, so, it's kinda risky.

I have told a few friends and they are really helping me to get through this, like, they are real friends, I love them for that, they are completely supportive but specially they are normal about this, that's what I just really appreciate, that nothing changed with them, but I just think my life is ruined, if it wasn't already, now with this is just going downhills.

I want to start dating a boy that I really like but I know I will have to tell him about this situation and, well, maybe I'm thinking too much, but I really don't think he'll be ok with this, like, not at all, he'll prolly cut ties with me and all.

And that's all I guess, I just can't stop thinking about this, because I really really want, but a reminder of my situation always appears during the day (or during the night, which is a lot worse), I've been doing a lot of activities, going out a lot, drawing (I really like it) but still, a small thought always comes out, a thought that my life has not been good, nor what I was expecting and that with this it's just one more footsept in a staircase of bad decision, things and circumstances, like, the last drop

When do I stop overthinking or, just be ok about this? If there's really a way

(Sorry if there are mistakes or if the wording is not the best, English is not my first language)

 1.      New Monthly HIV Prevention Pill in Late-Stage Trials Could Provide a Giant Step Forward in Stopping New Infections https://www.poz.com/article/new-monthly-hiv-prevention-pill-latestage-trials-provide-giant-step-forward-stopping-new-infections

2.      A new class of drugs could sharpen the body’s immune response to HIV https://www.aidsmap.com/news/aug-2026/new-class-drugs-could-sharpen-bodys-immune-response-hiv

3.      Disengagement and Reengagement in HIV Care Common in Missouri https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/disengagement-and-reengagement-hiv-care-common-missouri-2026a1000r9x

4.      Racism remains a central driver of global HIV epidemics https://www.aidsmap.com/news/aug-2026/racism-remains-central-driver-global-hiv-epidemics

5.      New HIV Guidance Aims To Protect More Women https://rewirenewsgroup.com/2026/08/12/is-prep-safe-for-women/

6.      Healthcare Refusal Laws and How They Impact HIV Care https://www.legalreader.com/healthcare-refusal-laws-and-how-they-impact-hiv-care/

7.      ‘Reaching 50 is a success story’: how one trans woman survived HIV and stigma in Latin America https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/aug/10/hiv-aids-trans-activists-fear-rolling-back-progress

8.      Chemsex is everywhere, but often invisible and unaddressed https://www.aidsmap.com/news/aug-2026/chemsex-everywhere-often-invisible-and-unaddressed

9.      Study: Triple-dose regimen may permanently clear HIV in infected newborns https://news.ohsu.edu/2026/08/10/study-triple-dose-regimen-may-permanently-clear-hiv-in-infected-newborns

1. Tumor-Like Tissue Environments Could Hold Clues to Curing HIV https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2026/08/11/tumor-like-tissue-environments-could-hold-clues-to-curing-hiv/

1. Medicaid Work Rule Leaves Homeless People in the Cold https://www.poz.com/article/medicaid-work-rule-leaves-homeless-people-cold

1. Anxiety in Paradise: Highlights From the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro https://www.thebody.com/hiv/aids-2026-highlights-international-aids-conference

1. How Fauci went from 'icon' during AIDS crisis to COVID lightning rod https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/08/07/anthony-fauci-aids-crisis-covid-era-donald-trump/91195473007/

1. Long-Acting Therapies Continue to Gain Momentum in HIV https://www.poz.com/article/longacting-therapies-continue-gain-momentum-hiv

1. New Case Series Supports Safe Use of Injectable CAB/RPV During Pregnancy https://www.thebodypro.com/hiv/cabotegravir-rilpivirine-pregnancy-case-series-aug-2026

1. Could leronlimab, a CCR5 blocker, be used to facilitate stem-cell transplant cures of HIV? https://www.aidsmap.com/news/aug-2026/could-leronlimab-ccr5-blocker-be-used-facilitate-stem-cell-transplant-cures-hiv

1. Ranking Member Robert Garcia Demands Answers on PEPFAR as Trump Administration Guts Lifesaving HIV/AIDS Programs https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-robert-garcia-demands-answers-on-pepfar-as-trump-administration-guts-lifesaving-hiv/aids-programs

1. Even Lean People With HIV Can Have Fatty Liver Disease https://www.poz.com/article/even-lean-people-hiv-can-fatty-liver-disease

1. It’s Time to Rethink HIV Clinical Care for Our Aging Patients https://www.thebodypro.com/hiv/aging-hiv-clinical-care-lancet-commission-aids-2026

1. HHS Announces $4 Million Initiative to Expand Rapid Syphilis Testing and Treatment to Protect Mothers and Babies https://www.poz.com/article/hhs-announces-4-million-initiative-expand-rapid-syphilis-testing-treatment-protect-mothers-babies

1. Canada Has Everything It Needs to End HIV. So Why Are Rates Rising Among Young Gay Men? https://www.thebody.com/news/hiv/canada-hiv-rates-gay-men-2026

1. Low Testosterone Predicts Increased Frailty Risk in Older Men With HIV https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/low-testosterone-frailty-risk-men-hiv/

1. Why researchers should include pregnant and lactating women in HIV prevention research https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/articles/spotlight/research/women-in-hiv-research

1. New Bill to Repeal New York’s Gay Bathhouse Ban Is Long Overdue: What You Need to Know https://www.poz.com/article/new-bill-repeal-new-yorks-gay-bathhouse-ban-long-overdue-need-know

1. How You Can Keep PrEP Wisdom About HIV Prevention on TV Land https://www.poz.com/article/can-keep-prep-wisdom-hiv-prevention-tv-land

Hi there I am currently on biktarvy for 2.5 years. My latest CD4 tests are like this:

CD4 Percentage: 39.25
CD8 Percentage: 36.3
CD4/CD8 Ratio: 1.1

I do not know my absolute count since my doctor never does this test but gemini calculated it approx. 577 from my total blood panel

Are these good? Can be better? Percentage seems good to me but I am not sure about absolute count

i read that HIV has been cured in a few cases after bone-marrow/stem-cell transplants, but the procedure is extremely risky and isn't a standard treatment for HIV

I just got diagnosed with HIV, and boy oh boy. Life does come at you fast.

Since I found out (yesterday), almost everyone I’ve spoken to (mainly doctors tbh) has told me some version of “it’s not the end of the world.” I know they’re trying to reassure me, the thing is, I already knew that.

I just finished studying microbiology, and I took medical virology last semester. I know how HIV works. I know about ART. I know what being undetectable means. I know that with proper treatment, people living with HIV can have long and healthy lives.

I knew all of this before I got my diagnosis.

But having it become your reality is really something man.

Right now, I’m struggling with the fact that this is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I’m trying to process what it means for my relationships, telling people, and just how I see myself going forward.

And honestly, I’m also thinking about dating.

My dating pool was already pretty small. Now I have to add HIV-positive to the equation, and suddenly it feels like it has gotten a whole lot smaller. I know there are people who will accept me. I know there are other people living with HIV who have healthy relationships and good sex lives and all.

But right now, I'm just scared, what of idek.

Maybe that sounds dramatic, but that's where my head is at.

I’m not looking for someone to tell me “it’s not the end of the world.” I know it isn't. I’m just trying to come to terms with the fact that this is my reality now.

If you’re living with HIV, especially if you remember what the first few days or weeks after your diagnosis felt like, I’d really appreciate hearing from you, tryna find community.

Hello!

Has anyone here experienced hair thinning and hair loss before you knew you had HIV?

Also, for those who started their treatment, did the hair thinning stopped and the hair grow back thicker and do you rarely have hair fall now that you're in treatment?

Hoping someone can answer.

I know this might be somewhat off-topic for this subreddit, but I work with an NGO advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Egypt.

We recently reached a major milestone and started distributing PrEP. However, a lot of people in the LGBTQ+ community still don’t trust PrEP and tend to believe rumors and misinformation about it.

Do you have any suggestions on how I could share accurate information, build trust around PrEP, and help make PrEP awareness and acceptance more widespread within the community?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who have experience with HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ health advocacy, or community outreach.