Jonathan and Winston's story has finally come to an end.

Thank you all so much for sticking around so long!

❤️

I wanted to write this story in order to help clear the stigma around HIV, but only you all can really say whether I accomplished this or not.

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HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that attack's the body's immune system, thus interfering with the body's ability to fight off infections. Untreated, the virus can lead to AIDS - the most severe phase of HIV.

However, individuals who take HIV medicine as prescribed are able to live years with an undetectable viral load (or stay virally suppressed). They pose no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative sexual partners.

Although there are available medications for HIV, there is no actual vaccine for the infection.

The virus itself is still preventable though, and like many people say, "prevention is better than cure."

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Ways to Prevent HIV

1. Use protection when engaging in sexual activity with someone whose status you are unsure of. Water-based lubrication is also most recommended since oil-based ones tend to weaken condoms.

2. Don't share needles. Use a clean and sterile needle if you regularly inject drugs. Take advantage of needle-exchange programs in your community and consider seeking help for your drug use.

3. Consider PrEP when in a situation where you're more exposed to the virus. Truvada and Descovy can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in people at very high risk. Your doctor will prescribe these drugs for HIV prevention only if you don't already have the HIV infection. You will need an HIV test before you start taking PrEP daily and then every three months as long as you're taking it. These drugs don't prevent other STIs, so you'll still need to practice safe sex.

4. If you are HIV-positive, tell your sexual partners. It's important to tell all your current and past (within the window period) sexual partners about your status.

5. If you're pregnant, get medical care right away. If you're HIV-positive, you may pass the infection to your baby. But if you receive treatment during pregnancy, you can cut your baby's risk significantly.

.:information courtesy of mayoclinic.org:.

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Unfortunately, certain circumstances don't allow for preventative measures - i.e. rape, addiction, etc.

If you, or someone you love, are concerned that you've been exposed to the virus, get tested right away, and inform your physician of the events leading up to that concern.

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To end, I want to give another thank you to all of my amazing readers and supporters.

I started this story in 2017 and I'm only now bringing it to a close.

It's been a long two years, and I appreciate everyone who stuck around to see the completed storyline.

However, note that this is not the end! Book 2, Ellis' story, will come sometime in the future.

We finally get a glimpse into our misguided cutie's life and uncover who's been catfishing him in addition to this mystery man he discussed with Winston about.

I'm excited! Are you?

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ღ Shadae is out. ღ