Barbara Roberts, a 74-year-old woman, has been living with HIV for 30 years. She was diagnosed in 1996 after experiencing flu-like symptoms that persisted. Now, she manages her condition with a new FDA-approved medication that has improved her quality of life.
The medication, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in recent years, is part of a new class of antiretroviral therapies. It allows for easier dosing and fewer side effects, helping older adults like Roberts maintain their health.
Roberts' story highlights the progress in HIV treatment since the 1990s, when the disease was often fatal. Today, with proper medication, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Roberts continues to advocate for awareness and regular testing.