Living with HIV as Potential Vaccine Looms

While doing some research on the potential HIV vaccine, I interviewed a very interesting woman named Joy LaFontaine who is HIV positive. She says she prays every night for a vaccine. “I don’t want to live with this illness anymore….but I won’t let HIV consume me.” She provided some insight into the world of living with HIV.

LaFontaine has been HIV positive for 14 years. She has to take a pill every day to help her survive. She’s been on medication for seven years. Sometimes the side effects of the meds include nightmares or feeling "drunk" after eating certain foods.