EastEnders: HIV storyline leads to surge in awareness about the virus
Just one third of Brits know the facts about HIV transmission, newly released research from Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, and YouGov has revealed.
The data was published on 9 August to coincide with a pivotal moment in Eastenders’ ongoing HIV storyline, which saw Zack Hudson (James Farrar) being told by doctors that the medication he is taking to suppress the virus means he cannot pass it on to others.
This will likely be a learning curve for many viewers as the research found just 36 per cent of Brits know that someone living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass the virus on.
In fact, less than one in five people (18 per cent) said they would be comfortable having sex with someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment, despite there being zero risk of the virus being transmitted. READ MORE: Terrence Higgins Trust marks 41 years since the death of Terry Higgins EastEnders is also busting myths surrounding having children as someone living with HIV given that Zack and his partner Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) are now able to try for a baby due to his undetectable viral load.
