HIV+ peer education Officer, Liz Walker. Picture: Dominique Menegaldo Source: PerthNow
A DECISION many young women make led to a life-changing illness for Liz Walker.
Eight years ago, she decided to have unprotected sex with her long-term boyfriend.
She did not make the decision lightly; she had been checked for sexually transmitted infections (STI), was using a contraceptive pill and was in a monogamous relationship.
She thought she was covered.
But two years later, before entering a new relationship, she had a comprehensive STI test including blood tests and found out she was HIV-positive, with the virus most likely unknowingly transferred by her previous partner.
Ms Walker said the diagnosis was initially overwhelming.
"I was really freaking out and didn't feel I could identify with any of those groups," she said.
Ms Walker said she could not come to terms with her diagnosis for a number of years and did not start medication immediately.
Since then, Miss Walker has accepted her diagnosis to the point she is now "openly positive".
"I think young people in the community can learn a lot from my story.
"I want people to know that you do need to have protected sex and more importantly you need to have regular STI checks and engage in conversation with partners regarding sexual health."
Living with HIV means Miss Walker takes three pills each day, which keeps her viral load undetectable and improves her immune function.
Read more about Liz's journey at inmycommunity.com.au
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