HIV!

HIV effects all genders, sexual orientations, races, and all ages. According to ‘UNAIDS’: There were approximately 37.6 million people across the globe with HIV in 2020. Of these, 35.9 million were adults and 1.7 million were children (<15 years old). The UK has a relatively smaller HIV epidemic with an estimated 103,600 people living with HIV, many of which reside in London. For the first time in a decade, the number of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals (straight people) is higher than for gay and bisexual men, according to new figures for England from the UK Health Security Agency. Half of all new HIV diagnoses were in heterosexuals (49%) in England in 2022, compared to 45% in gay and bisexual men. With that said, there are still a huge number of gay and bisexual men who are affected.

HIV stands for = Human Immunodeficiency virus, which is a virus that damages the cells in the immune system and weakens its ability to fight off everyday infections and disease. Over time, untreated HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which is when the immune system has been so severely damaged by HIV that it can no longer fight off infection; which can be extremely life-threatening and cause a host of other infections/disease within the person. There's currently no cure for HIV, but drug treatment ART (or Antiretrovirals) is very affective and enables most people HIV to live a long and healthy life. Whilst on such ‘effective’ treatment (and becoming undetectable), the virus can no longer be passed on; These 'modern' day treatments also mean that infected persons will not develop AIDS.

Although HIV can be well managed with these ‘daily, life long’ medications, such does cause side effects in some, and such virus can effect a person in other ways; e.g. Muscular skeletal problems - Severe fatigue - Deep depression and anxiety - Liver damage - Skin sensitivity – Insomnia – Sweating - Fibromyalgia symptom, etc - These things can greatly affect a person’s ability to work and earn an income. A person may also not be able to afford alternative therapies to relief pain and suffering. The stress associated with living with a serious illness or condition, such as HIV, can also affect a person’s mental health.

People with HIV have a higher chance of developing mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders (e.g. depression is one of the most common mental health conditions faced by people with HIV). HIV and related infections can also affect the brain and the rest of the nervous system. This may change how a person thinks and behaves - Also, some medications used to treat HIV may have side effects that affect a person's mental (and physical) health meaning they may not be-able to work at times. Situations such as; Having trouble getting mental health services (of which males are more prone to not seek such help) - Experiencing a loss of social support, resulting in isolation -Experiencing a loss of employment or worries about being able to perform at work due to mental/physical health and/or medication side effects (which occurs more than is thought and leaves a person in hardship and struggling) - Dealing with loss of relationships; all contribute to mental health issues and hardships, and are more prone to males living with HIV. In addition, many HIV+ persons also experience situations that negatively impact health further, such as; Having to tell others about a HIV diagnosis (which invites discrimination and even violence at times). - Managing HIV medicines and other treatment (this can be hard to fit in around a career). - Facing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

As mentioned before, HIV causes significant inflammation in the body; This inflammation can cause neurological complications by damaging the spinal cord and brain. Despite effective ART, people with HIV are still at risk for central nervous system diseases associated with HIV. These diseases can be neurological (affecting the nervous system) or neurocognitive (affecting cognition or mental processing).