Today is World AIDS Day.
The CDC estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (21%) of those people is unaware of their infection. I was one of those unaware 21% - until this summer when I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs.
The reason I was unaware was because I didn't get tested. And the reason I didn't get tested was because I was afraid. But my avoidance of HIV tests made things much worse. My fear literally could have killed me.
HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic with an estimated 33 million people infected - but it is also a personal epidemic. MY epidemic. So please - from one person to another I beg of you - PLEASE GET TESTED. Knowledge is power - and the more you know, the healthier you can be.
To find a testing location near you - please go HERE. Get tested. Don't be afraid.
BTW - If I'm ever feeling sorry for myself, sad or generally unloved, I just go back and read all the supportive and wonderful comments I received on THIS post. And, without fail, it immediately makes me feel like the most loved blogger/friend/person in the world.
XOXOXO
UPDATE: On my way to work this morning, I got accosted by a gang of hairdressers (seriously) who were asking people to record short videos marking World AIDS Day. It is pouring down rain here and I looked like I puffy wet marshmallow, but against my better judgement I let them film me. Swear to Jeebus, if they use the footage I will barricade myself in an Arby's and never come out.
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