Sheen’s HIV admission

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Charlie Sheen confirmed this morning that he is HIV positive. The former Two and a Half  Men star says he’s had the virus for 4 years and was being blackmailed for millions of dollars by former sexual partners. His doctor has it down to an untraceable amount in his blood.

That announcement came on the Today Show this morning and brings attention to the virus and shows that it is no longer the “death sentence” it was in the past.

It’s estimated that 65,000 Canadians are living with HIV or AIDS right now, and 25% of them don’t know it. The AIDS network is hoping Charlie Sheen’s announcement will help raise awareness.

“Anytime a prominent person comes forward and discloses they have HIV, it advances awareness a lot more for us.” said Tim McClemont from the AIDS Network.

“It doesn’t just apply to the gay population anymore, all society, any age group, it’s important to get tested.” said William Laferla, who has been HIV positive for 27 years.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. Untreated it will turn into AIDS which will kill you. HIV if treated, is no longer a death sentence.

There are roughly 30 drugs that HIV patients take in different combinations to battle the virus, medication Charlie Sheen has been taking for years.

With the practice of safe sex, and not sharing needles, HIV and AIDS are preventable.