34 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | HEALTH
Qsaltlake.com |
ISSUE 304 | SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
positive thoughts Most HIV advocates have heard of U=U, but how do we get the rest of the world to listen? BY DESIREE GUERRERO
For about the past decade, activists and advocates have been working hard to educate the world on a very important scientific fact about living with HIV: that undetectable equals untransmittable. U=U is a now globally accepted scientific consensus that simply means when a person living with HIV reaches an undetectable viral load (also sometimes called virally suppressed) for six months or longer, they are virtually unable to transmit the virus to a sexual partner — even without the use of condoms. Not only is this vital, life-changing information for those living with HIV, but certainly could be the key to ending HIV once and for all. Just think about it. If everyone on the planet currently living with HIV had access to today’s highly effective antiretroviral drugs that can quickly get you to undetectable — and were aware that being undetectable means they cannot pass along the virus — would HIV continue to spread as it does? Bruce Richman, executive director of the Prevention Access Campaign, says of course not. Richman has fought relentlessly for nearly a decade now to share this groundbreaking, stigma-shattering evidence. He founded the U=U consensus campaign after discovering the little-known science after fearing he’d
q scopes OCTOBER BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
Add some spice to romantic activities. The funk you’ve been feeling is due to a lack of physical stimulation. Put your inner prude on hold and get involved with special individuals. A little twitch of devious thought is bound to inspire much needed action. Even if the thoughts aren’t there, the feelings will carry through.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
The struggles of living with a burden will leave you breathless. Keep smiling, even if the desire to do so is lacking. Someone close is playing games. Recognize the signs and opt out. The only way to avoid losing in a game is to not play at all. Focus on challenging yourself to succeed instead. A lesson can be the best prize of all.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
Self-imposed restrictions are good during a time of chaos. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to try everything, but sample good experi-
exposed a partner to HIV around 2010. “I learned from my doctor that because I was undetectable, I couldn’t transmit HIV,” he told Plus magazine last year. “I couldn’t pass it on. I was elated!” His excitement soon turned to outrage when he realized “every HIV treatment site, media outlet, HIV/AIDS service organization, federal and state health department — just about everywhere — was saying that I was still a risk. And millions of people with HIV were still a risk.” “To clear up the confusion,” Richman added, “a group of us living with HIV collaborated with researchers on a [U=U] consensus statement and advocacy campaign.” The simple, catchy and game-changing U=U campaign launched in July 2016. Within record time, the campaign has become a global movement lead by people living with HIV. Today, 500 organizations from 65 countries have signed the U=U Consensus Statement, which has been translated into 15 different languages and is endorsed by the principal investigators of the leading studies that proved the statement true. The biggest breakthroughs for U=U came when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the consensus was “backed by science.” Dr. Carrie Foote agrees and adds that U=U
ences instead of consuming too much. Your social life will get a boost from hosting a party with an open guest list. Being the star is the best way to be now, so shine. This is your time!
CANCER June 21–July 22
The frequent temptation for outbursts will become a theme. The last trait you want to be defined with is anger, but that’s bound to happen in a large circle of friends. Squash rumors by being kind. You don’t have to be a saint, but may find satisfaction in a friendly fetish for purity. Try playing an angel with a devil inside.
LEO July 23–August 22
The desire to drive a point home will overshadow courtesy. As a result, a friend or partner could be deeply offended. Be careful and use tact to avoid confrontation. A long desired dream could come true, but be careful what is wished for. There is no such thing as gain without sacrifice, especially regarding matters of the heart.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 22
It’s no secret that respect must be earned with you. A friend might surprise you by declaring how little it is required. The world is going to beat you down this month, but not all pain will be unpleasant. In fact,
is also a human rights issue, as she recently stated at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Seattle earlier this year: “All people living with HIV have a right to accurate information about their social, sexual and reproductive health.” Foote has been living with HIV since 1988, is a founding member of the U=U campaign and is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue. “Stigma is killing us,” she added. “HIV stigma is a public health emergency and U=U is an immediate and effective response to begin to dismantle stigma.” Dr. Foote said that U=U is an incredibly significant finding, but this “amazing science” is not as well-known as it should be. Millions of people living with HIV are still unaware of the facts and implications of U=U and what it means for their lives. She says much of the responsibility lies on the medical community, which needs to keep patients informed about U=U as well as update their HIV-related brochures, fact sheets and treatment guides to reflect this. At CROI, Foote also shared some quotes from HIV-positive people from around the world, illustrating the impact of U=U. In the words of Mark from Baltimore: “When I finally internalized this message… something suddenly lifted off of me that is hard to describe. It was almost as if someone wiped me clean.” Q
implementing saucy times in a relationship proves useful. Showing respect will be key in heated situations.
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
Show a loved one the true meaning behind an obsession. Whether your thoughts are stuck on an individual or an activity, there’s no denying that priorities have changed. Merging the old with the new will not be as easy as previously thought, so be willing to let go of some extra burdens. Stay focused and follow your gut on this.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
Develop a bond with a close friend or lover. You’ll need their support if there’s any chance of getting past a bad patch. Reminders that life can be fun will emerge. The workplace has been unforgiving, so take time off if possible. It is a time to rest and renew, so do some mental housecleaning. Eliminate drama in your circles.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
A logical explanation to an emotional problem will leave you unsatisfied. Embrace pleasure instead, and put aside what makes sense for a while. Friendships will flourish and finances will fall into place. Take note of a key witness to a pivotal moment in recent
events. This person may care, but could also cause trouble.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
The long road is not the one that stretches the farthest, but the one most dangerous to cross. An accident is inevitable if you don’t time your moves right. A setback could be devastating, and a loss of something important is not worth a rash move. Have faith that the right time will come to take action. Meanwhile, enjoy the break.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
The flaming rage caused by a coworker is becoming a major problem. Instead of getting mad, enjoy some poetic justice. Give a lesson in a form of the irony you demonstrate best. Actions that would usually create division will create a strange sense of unity. A new life role emerges, making you both divider and provider.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
In the river of life, many boats sail your way. A random meeting with a potential friend could pass if you don’t pay attention. A longing for stability is a goal in constant flux. Find the anchor in the arms of someone nice and enjoy romance. There’s nothing better than riding the waves of change with company. Q
