You May Be Living With HIV and Not Know It…

Believe it or not, many people at this very moment are going through life, completely unaware that they may be living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In the Black community especially, the likelihood of undiagnosed and unrecognized HIV is significantly higher. Given increased rates of infection, greater risk factors, and cultural stigmas surrounding the condition, this problem may only grow.  But only if we let it. To address this issue, first, we need to be open and honest. We need to take control of our health, take steps toward action, and never allow fear or insecurity to dictate our decision-making.  Let’s go over everything you need to know about HIV, especially if you or someone you know is not yet diagnosed. Asymptomatic Nature Although HIV eventually presents symptoms, for many years, it can remain dormant. In other words, people may go through life, continuing the same poor habits without realizing what they’re doing. The scariest part is, that even if the virus is asymptomatic, it is still active in the body and can be transmitted.  This is why early detection is so critical. Do you engage in unprotected sex? Do you use drugs and share paraphernalia with others? Have you...