Charlie Sheen Has Undetectable HIV?

Charlie Sheen is HIV positive. Before the actor could admit it, the rumors ran fast and everyone knew his diagnosis a day before his scheduled interview with the Today show. In an interview with Matt Lauer the actor admitted that he is in fact HIV positive, but has an undetectable form of HIV and that the main reason he wanted to tell the truth is to stop not only the personal attacks on his persona, but to help others as well.

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“I’m here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive. And, I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks, of sub-truths, and very harmful stories that are about threatening the health of so many others, which couldn’t be farther from the truth,” said Sheen.

The actor says he’s speaking out because he’s paid several people millions of dollars who threatened to reveal his diagnosis. This has been going on for about 4 years. “I’ve paid those people. Not that many, but enough to where it has depleted the future (of his fortune)…I don’t want to guess wrong, but enough to bring into the millions. What people forget is that’s money they’re taking from my children.”

Sheen said his health problems began with a cluster of headaches, migraines and sweating. At first he thought he had a brain tumor, which is when he decided to get checked and received the HIV diagnosis. “It’s a hard three letters to absorb. It’s a turning point in one’s life.”

HIV: How To Protect Yourself

Sheen did a second interview with Lauer, but this time he brought his personal physician, who confirmed that the actor does not have AIDS and that he was an undetectable level of HIV in his body. “I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people, and hopefully with whatI’m doing today, others may come forward and say, ‘Thanks, thanks, Charlie.”

An HIV-positive person can achieve undetectable levels after undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). This means that a person’s HIV viral load makes them less likely to transmit the disease. An undetectable load reduces the likelihood of transmission by 96%. If a person continues to monitor their undetectable status and take their medications, it’s possible for the person to remain at this level. During the 4 years that Sheen has known about his diagnosis, he has never missed taking a dose of his medication. He even admitted to not doing drugs anymore, even though he still drinks alcohol. 

Sheen’s diagnosis created a massive response on Twitter and many were attacking the actor and making jokes. Many came to his defense and defended the actor arguing that HIV is not something to joke about. It’s definitely sparked a debate and hopefully his diagnosis will make an impact on others who are at risk for contracting the disease.