Living Well With HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) first made it appearance in the US in 1981. Current estimates are that there are more than 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the US.
In the early 80’s, someone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS was basically given a death sentence. The death rate from this disease was staggering. This stayed the case for the next two decades, with little change. Now in this the 21st century, HIV/AIDS appears to becoming more of a manageable chronic disease, in which individuals are living longer and healthier lives in spite of this disease. In fact, some medical experts say that HIV/AIDS patients have a better chance of dying from a non-HIV/AIDS related illness such as heart disease or cancer.
There are several reasons for this new perspective on living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is increasing, as effective new drug therapies keep HIV-infected persons healthy longer and dramatically reduce the death rate. These medications are more affordable, accessible and most importantly, more effective than past medications. This anti-retroviral drug therapy works, by focus on providing maximum suppression of symptoms related to HIV/AIDS for a long as possible. Consequently, there can be an increase in an individual’s T-lymphocyte of T-Cell count, which is crucial in slowing downs the progression of HIV/AIDS. These improvements have been largely responsible for changing the status of this disease to that of being more manageable.
Another aspect of manageability of this disease is the fact that many more individuals are being tested for this disease and by doing so individuals are being diagnosed earlier and are getting into treatment at a much earlier time in the disease process. Receiving treatment means being able to utilize the medication therapy earlier as well.
Empowerment Points
People diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are living longer and more productive lives now, more than at any other time since the identification of this disease. A positive attitude and a willingness to live are also impacting this new approach to living with this disease. Individuals are planning families, planning successful careers and pursuing their dreams.
The future looks encouraging as work continues towards finding a vaccine for this medical condition. As this works continues, so too will the improvements in the quality of life of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.