It’s been 24 years since Magic Johnson told the world he was HIV positive. Actor Charlie Sheen went public Tuesday with his HIV status, during a time when awareness and treatment of the disease are much more advanced. Fayette County Disease Intervention Outreach Specialist Lynnsey McGarrh says even though society has progressed on the issues, there are still varying public opinions about HIV. “What I do hope is that Charlie Sheen can continue to try to defeat the stigma that does still surround the disease and definitely remind people that the HIV does not discriminate,” said McGarrh.
McGarrh says there are about 6,000 people with HIV in Kentucky. She says the incidence rate for HIV in the bluegrass changes with varying trends.
McGarrh says a lot has changed in how the disease is treated. She says the days of a multiple pill concoction are long gone. “Now with medical advances, they’ve got it down to one pill a day and people are living long healthy lives, just as long as people who are HIV negative," she said. So, it’s not a death sentence anymore."
McGarrh says the incidence rate of HIV in Fayette County has fluctuated over the past two decades. She says increasing use of heroin has also led to an increase in HIV and hepatitis cases. ?
