There has been a lot of misinformation following actor Charlie Sheen’s disclosure of his HIV status, many of it dreamed up by media hype and hunger for a story. Here are four things to know to help clear up any questions you might have about the reports you are hearing.
1. It’s Never Okay to Out People as Having HIV
A number of newspapers pre-empted Sheen’s disclosure of his HIV status with lurid headlines. It should go without saying that it is never okay to out someone who has HIV. While it is arguable (and in some states legally advisable) that people living with HIV should disclose their status to prospective partners, in general life and with very few exceptions no one has the right to know if someone else is HIV positive, and certainly no one should out someone – or threaten to out someone – as having HIV.
2. Charlie Sheen’s Doctors Say He’s Unlikely to Pass on the Virus. Why?
Sheen’s doctors have said that, thanks to Sheen adhering to his medication, the actor’s viral load-or the amount of virus particles circulating in a person’s blood-is now so low that it makes the chances of him infecting someone else very small. Does this mean that someone is functionally unable to pass on HIV if their viral load is so low? That’s a debated topic. The resource guide AIDSMAP explains the issue