Jane, not her real name, was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with HIV.
“I ‘ d only slept with one person when I got HIV, I know people will hear that and think it’s a sob story, but it’s the truth, “she told BBC News NI.
When Jane was diagnosed she was one of the youngest women in Northern Ireland known to have the virus.
HIV is a virus which, over time, damages the human immune system leading to illness and infection.
There are 1, 130 people receiving treatment for HIV in Northern Ireland. It is not known how many more people are living with the virus undiagnosed.
The charity Positive Life says there is still a myth that it’s a “gay man’s disease”.
Figures show that in Northern Ireland almost 40% of those living with HIV contracted the virus through heterosexual contact and more than 200 women have been diagnosed HIV-positive.
“When I was first diagnosed, I started to research stuff online and I watched some films where people had HIV and it really scared me, “said Jane.
” It showed people getting really sick and their skin started to get really bad and it showed people dying. I thought: ‘Is this what is going to happen to me? ”
In 2018 , 96, 142 people were receiving HIV-related care across the UK.
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus – is a virus which, over time, damages the human immune system.
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