A few celebrities who have said that they have HIV/AIDS include:
Charlie Sheen, actor, who stated on Nov. 17, 2015, that he is HIV-positive.
Former NBA Player Earvin
"Magic" Johnson stated in 1991 that he was diagnosed with HIV.
Freddie Mercury, lead singer
for Queen, died when he was 45 on Nov. 24, 1991. (CBS News).
A lot of people, particularly celebrities are afraid of announcing that they had HIV/AIDS. It's a shame because that can lead to people not getting treatment fast enough, and having the disease get worse. Contracting HIV/AIDS may reveal certain behaviors that some people may have wanted to keep private. For example, homosexuality or infidelity may be details that a person may not be ready to disclose about their personal lives (AAMFT).
It is important to stress the fact that people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS should not be too embarrassed about it to seek help. The disease affects many aspects of their lives and they will need support from family and friends. If you know someone who has been affected by HIV/AIDS it is vital that you tell them that you still love them and care about them so that they feel ready and comfortable enough to seek treatment. It's up to those around them to let them know that they are not alone.
(aids.gov 2014)
References
Statistics Overview.
(2016, March 21). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/
Celebrities with
HIV/AIDS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from
http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/celebrities-with-hiv-aids/
Families Living with HIV.
(n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from
https://www.aamft.org/iMIS15/AAMFT/Content/Consumer_Updates/Families_Living_with_HIV.aspx
U.S. Statistics. (2014,
December 2). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from
https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/statistics/
I remember watching a movie about HIV and AIDS in my Epi class last year. I like how you touched on people should not be embarrassed to go get tested for HIV because a lot of people in the movie were ashamed of their behaviors. The statistic that 1 in 8 people don't know they are HIV positive is very alarming because HIV is such a serious disease. It could happen to any of us and testing is super important, as you have mentioned in your blog post. I also like the infographic, it is very easy to read and very informative. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI liked the graphic you included. I think that would really open someones eyes how 1 in 8 people can get HIV and don't realize it. I liked how you mentioned that others should not be embarrassed to seek help. It's so important for them to know that those who truly care about them will still be around in their lives and love them no matter what disease they have. It is so important for people to get tested since this is such a serious disease.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a support system, especially if they contract a life threatening disease as this. It does take a lot of courage to come out and let people be aware of this. I agree that people are embarrassed to admit to having it, but it is vital that it be known, at least to their loved ones. That statistic was surprising to me, I didn't realize just how many people actually do have HIV/AIDS. That alone would make one become more cautious.
ReplyDeleteI think its crazy how 1.2 million people have HIV and even more crazy that 1-8 don't even know it. This should make people having unprotected sex really take a step back and think about if this is something they could live with forever. I can only imagine how hard it would be to tell someone I had HIV and I understand that people are embarrassed but the fact that 1.2 million have it they should feel less embarrassed.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many people living with HIV and don't know they have it. This is ridiculous and very scary because they could just be passing this around and destroying another persons life. Getting tested is very important especially if you take part in risky behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you provided accurate statistics and images! I learned a lot and I was reminded how important it is to get tested and stay up to date! I also liked that you included that you should not be embarrassed if you are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. I think it is harder for celebrities because they know there are many who look up to them and they don't want to disappoint their fans. It is nothing to be ashamed of and if more celebrities were open about it, more people might feel comfortable admitting it! Good job!
ReplyDeleteYes I believe that still to this day that people are living with HIV and doesn't know that they have it , but they are very aware of HIV and how its passed. I feel if a person have multiple sex partners then they should get tested
ReplyDeleteIt's unbelieveable how many people are living with HIV and aren't aware of it. It is terrifying to think about because someone who may not know they have it could be passing it around to so many other people. This disease can kill so many people.
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