Diagnosed with HIV at age 22: Adam’s story – Brook

You may already know me as a cast member of I Kissed a Boy Season 2– the man who shared his HIV diagnosis in episode three. Or maybe you don’t know me at all, in which case: hello. I’m Adam. In 2020 I was diagnosed with HIV and today I use my platform to educate others about what living with HIV really means today. This is my story.

It was the summer of 2020. The world had come to a standstill as COVID-19 took over and we went into lockdown. I suddenly came down with the worst flu of my life: swollen lymph nodes, pounding headaches, and relentless night sweats. I brushed it off and did the very British thing of ‘keep calm and carry on’.

But this was different. It was aggressive and unlike anything I had ever felt before – and I hope I never feel it again. There were times when I considered going to the hospital, but with the world’s attention firmly focused on COVID-19, it didn’t feel important enough. Eventually the worst passed after long days spent in bed, resting and trying to recover.

Even though the flu was gone, my lymph nodes were still swollen and sore, so I wanted to double check if there was anything else that could hopefully be addressed by getting some antibiotics to remove it so I could then get on with life. Around that time I also got a text reminder that I needed to take a routine sexual health test. So I ordered an at-home test, took it, sent it in and waited.

I had received a text from Sexual Health London saying that my results were inconclusive and that I needed to go to the sexual health clinic for a follow-up examination. I knew something was wrong at that moment; normally they don’t text you that for an unclear result.

At that point I had put it all together and knew HIV was lurking.

I was overwhelmed with emotion. If I hadn’t done a home test I might not have caught these so early and I don’t think I would be as healthy as I am now. Being diagnosed with HIV was one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with mentally. But physically it forced me to take back my power. I have learned to listen to my body, take care of it and really understand what I want out of life.

More than five years have passed since my diagnosis, and I’m still me; actually I’m better than I was at that moment. With time, knowledge and care, I have learned a few important things along the way:

1. HIV does not define you. Yes, HIV is a lifelong condition, but with medication you can live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
2. U = U. With consistent treatment, your viral load may become so low that it is undetectable, meaning it is not transmissible; you cannot pass this on.
3. Time is truly a healer. Your body and mind need time to process and heal after a diagnosis. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace. Being diagnosed with HIV can be overwhelming, but you can get through it.

Getting tested literally changed my life.

Not because it brought me bad news, but because it gave me answers, access to treatment and control. HIV testing is not about fear or shame; it’s about knowing your status and taking care of yourself.

Taking charge of your sexual health means being proactive, even when you feel good or think, “That won’t happen to me.” I didn’t think it would happen to me either. When I was in bed with the worst flu of my life, I didn’t think this would be the place I would go. HIV does not always come with obvious symptoms, and early testing means you can start treatment earlier, protect your health, and avoid passing the disease on to others.

Testing is more accessible than ever these days, whether that’s through at-home kits, routine checkups or sexual health clinics. What may feel like a small or scary step can be a completely life-changing step. Testing is an act of self-care, self-respect and responsibility – for yourself and for the people you are intimate with.