FAQs About HIV/AIDS & Life Expectancy

From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums

The Basics | Diagnosed Over 40 | AIDS Diagnosis

The Basics

Does older age at the time someone becomes HIV positive mean faster progression of the disease -- especially without treatment?
How long are 20-something HIVers expected to live nowadays?
Post-traumatic stress and long-term HIV survival: How do we cope?
How should HIV-positive individuals come to terms with mortality?
My partner was diagnosed with HIV about three years ago. He is in his 20s, strictly adheres to his medication and has an undetectable viral load. Is it reasonable to expect a fairly normal lifespan for him?
I'm a 22-year-old male, recently diagnosed with a CD4 count of 110. I've been smoking for seven years and drink a lot to deal with stress. Given my low CD4 count, does this mean that I'm a "goner"?
I am a 38-year-old male, living with HIV for the last 16 years. I recently started taking Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/FTC). My CD4 count is between 250 and 300, and my viral load has usually been low. How long can I expect to live?
I recently read an article that claimed an HIVer's life expectancy is about 24 years after infection. Is this true? Do I really only have 10 more years to live?
My aunt doesn't want to take HIV meds. How long will she live without starting meds, compared to how long she'll live if we can convince her to begin treatment?
I was recently diagnosed, and my doctor said I have an undetectable viral load. I'm having difficulty obtaining treatment and I'm really worried. How long do I have to live and what can I do to keep healthy?

Diagnosed Over 40

AIDS Diagnosis

For frequently asked questions on other HIV/AIDS topics, click here.

This article was provided by The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums.

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

U.S. ASO Finder

Find a Therapist

What Really Fuels the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Black America?

Top 10 HIV/AIDS-Related Clinical Developments of 2011

Ten HIV/AIDS Stories that Defined 2011

Tennessee Senator: It's Virtually Impossible for Heterosexuals to Contract HIV From Sex: A Blog Entry by Kellee Terrell

The Culture War in the Black HIV/AIDS Movement Is Hurting Us All

More >>

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.