What Is Undetectable HIV? (Ft. Patrick Asence)

MeSearch: Featuring Filipino Perspectives

According to HIV.gov, human immunodeficiency virus, otherwise known as HIV, is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV may lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

In 2020, more than 30,000 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States. From 2016 to 2019, the annual number of new diagnoses decreased 8%. And it is estimated that nearly 1.2 million people in the US had HIV by the end of 2019. (https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html)

With proper treatment, people can and do live long lives with HIV without developing AIDS. Current medical technology includes HIV medication that can lower the virus to undetectable levels in one's body. In these terms, being "undetectable" means HIV cannot be passed on to others. (https://hivcare.org/hiv-basics)

In this episode of MESEARCH, Krystle's best friend, Patrick Asence, is a guest. Patrick is a gay Filipino American who was diagnosed with HIV in 2016 and currently lives "undetectable." He speaks to Dustin and Krystle about his experience getting to undetectable HIV status; how it has changed his outlook on life; and why he is excited for the future.

Follow Patrick, @patrickanthony18.

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