Celebrities who are living with HIV – Today, more than 1.2 million people are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – a deadly virus that attacks the immune system. The HIV virus can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, blood transfusions, and the sharing of hypodermic needles. When left untreated, HIV can become AIDS – the most advanced stage of the virus which leaves you susceptible to cancers and infections that will slowly eat away at your body.
Thanks to the advancements in medicine, as well as greater knowledge, the life expectancy of those living with HIV has drastically increased throughout the years. Back in the ’80s, HIV was a death sentence. Many celebrities, including actor Rock Hudson, tennis pro Arthur Ashe, Freddie Mercury of the band Queen, and Liberace all battled the virus but eventually lost their lives. Today, the average HIV-positive person can expect to live up to the age of 80 years old, an age that is on par with those living without the virus.
HIV does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, tax bracket, nor gender, and there are many celebrities who are publicly living their lives as they battle the virus, too. These celebs were strong enough to face the virus head on, and many of them have made it their mission to spread awareness and raise funds to aid HIV and AIDS-related causes.
10. Jerry Herman
Broadway composer Jerry Herman tested positive for HIV at the age of 54, and he is one of the first to be diagnosed with the virus. At a time when many sufferers were succumbing to the virus, Herman has been able to survive thanks to the help of drug therapies, which were made available in the early ’90s. Now, at the age of 84, Herman is still alive and well. He was just honored with the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 2009 for composing Broadway musicals like Hello, Dolly! and Mame.
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