Case study: “I was relieved when I found out that my prolonged illness was caused by HIV as I knew I could be treated and would live”

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Having experienced a period of prolonged illness, Sean, age 57, was beginning to think he might leave his family and friends behind because of it.

He was diagnosed with HIV at his local emergency department, which routinely offers testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C as part of the opt out blood borne virus testing programme in emergency departments.

Sean was relieved with this diagnosis, because he knew his health would recover and he could get back to living his life.

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"I was relieved when I found out that my prolonged illness was caused by HIV as I knew I could be treated and would live"

"I was relieved when I found out that my prolonged illness was caused by HIV as I knew I could be treated and would live"

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Summary

Accessible content. Published 13 February 2025.