HIV
Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why slammed for ‘irresponsible’ HIV storyline
Spoiler alert for season 4 of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why An HIV awareness organisation has slammed the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why for a “lazy and sensationalist” HIV/AIDS storyline. The fourth and final season of the teen drama, well-known for its love of shock tactics, arrived this week. And the show ends with teen character …
No timeline yet for easing of gay blood donor restrictions
Gay and bisexual men may still face a lengthy wait before long-standing restrictions on them donating blood are eased. Currently, Australia’s Lifeblood donation service refuses gay blood donors who have had sex with men in the past 12 months. However last month, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Lifeblood’s proposal to lower that deferral period …
Trial shows promise for PrEP alternative taken every two months
A new long-acting HIV prevention drug injected once every two months as an alternative to a daily pill for PrEP has seen success in a major trial. Currently, people who are at high risk of HIV can take a daily pill that’s 99% effective at stopping transmission. But drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced promising …
Most gay Aussies would give blood if they were allowed, study finds
A new study has found a majority of gay and bisexual Australian men would donate blood if allowed, but don’t due to the 12-month abstinence restriction. Currently, men who have had sex with another man in the last twelve months can’t donate blood. Last month, the health regulator approved a reduction of that period to …
Experts call for US to scrap ‘outdated’ gay blood donor rules
Over 500 health professionals have signed an open letter calling on the US Food and Drug Administration to remove a “scientifically outdated ban” on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. Two weeks ago, the FDA revised its blood donation rules to reduce the required sexual abstinence period for men who have sex with men …
Australia to ease gay blood donor restrictions, but there’s a problem
The Australian Red Cross blood donation service is a step closer to easing restrictions on gay male donors, but LGBTIQ advocates say the move isn’t enough. Currently, the Lifeblood donation service refuses male donors who have had sex with men in the past 12 months. This effectively bans gay men from donating blood. Now the …
Aussies living with HIV open up on ABC’s You Can’t Ask That
A group of Australians with HIV will tell their stories on ABC’s You Can’t Ask That this week to shed light on what it’s really like to live with HIV. The fascinating show allows people from marginalised or misunderstood communities to answer anonymous questions from the public in their own words. Some questions are ignorant, …
No, there’s no shortage of HIV drugs in Australia due to COVID-19
Experts have again reassured Australians living with HIV there are no shortages of medications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Association of People with HIV in Australia (NAPWHA) have advised there is “no risk to supply and no need to stockpile.” “Despite continued assurances that supply is not, nor is it likely to be …
Experts warn against unnecessary HIV medication stockpiling
Experts have warned against Australians excessively stockpiling HIV medications and creating unnecessary and dangerous shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) warns a run on HIV medication in pharmacies could create problems for Australians living with HIV. As a result, ASHM has urged GPs not …
What COVID-19 means for people living with HIV
LGBTIQ health organisations have shared advice for people living with HIV to take precautions during the coronavirus pandemic. Thorne Harbour Health, with Living Positive Victoria and Positive Women Victoria, advises people living with HIV (PLHIV) on treatment with an undetectable viral load – and no other significant health condition – are at no greater risk …