Charlie Sheen was in the news again earlier this week when he announced his HIV-positive status during an appearance on the TODAY Show. His courageous announcement further advanced the idea that HIV infection is a problem that transcends all social divides and is something that can affect us all.
During his interview with Matt LauerSheen admitted that he tested positive for HIV four years ago when he sought medical treatment for what he thought was a severe headache or possibly a brain tumor. Since his positive test, he has been treated in the form of several pills a day, but he does not know exactly how he contracted the HIV virus. Sheen’s notable history of drug use and prostitution has dominated his media coverage in the past and many suspect this may have caused Sheen to ultimately contract the HIV virus. Intravenous drug use and unprotected sex are risky behaviors that can easily lead to the transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Anyone, even a famous celebrity, is at risk for HIV if he or she engages in this type of risky behavior.
Sheen hopes his recent announcement will help others get tested for HIV and other STDs, and reduce the stigma associated with HIV infection. He says: “I now have a responsibility to better myself and help a lot of other people and hopefully with what we’re doing today, others will come forward and say, ‘Thank you, Charlie.’