But that could be set to change thanks to a new radio show about HIV, which is determined to end any stigma surrounding the disease.
The show, titled HIV Happy Hour, will run weekly on Radio Reverb, a Brighton-based local station, from 1 October.
The magazine-style programme is the brainchild of author and HIV activist Paul Thorn, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1990.
"The main aim of the show is to challenge some of the negative thinking that many people living with HIV hold about themselves," Thorn tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle.
"There is no reason why anyone living with HIV should be ashamed or feel bad about having the virus. I want this show to be one of the tools to help change that."
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Paul Thorn
Thorn describes the show as "a programme by and for people with HIV".
The light-hearted name HIV Happy Hour aims to show that living with HIV doesn't have to be all doom and gloom - people can be happy living with the disease. The name of the show also echoes the title of Thorn's book, HIV Happy.
The 60-minute programme will be a lifestyle-based show covering a wide range of topics.
"It will be cover health, wealth, happiness, relationships, and lots of tips from experts for getting on with and making the most of the second chance at life afforded to people living with the virus by treatment," Thorn explains.
"There will be some more serious subjects covered also, for example hepatitis co-infection, tuberculosis, and hopefully some surprise celebrity guests also.
"More important is that the show is a platform for people living with the virus, they will be playing a major role in output and direction of the show."
A pilot episode of HIV Happy Hour included an interview with the head of a care facility for people with HIV and tips for HIV-positive listeners to set up their own business.
Thorn hopes this wide range of topics will help normalise HIV, so people living with the disease feel more able to speak about their experiences and seek the help they need.
The 45-year-old first took a test for HIV in 1988. Being just 19 years old at the time, it took him 18 months to go and get the results because he was afraid.
Unfortunately, things didn't get any easier in the years following his diagnosis.
"I lived for many years feeling ashamed because I have HIV. It has prevented me from going for jobs that I wanted and seeking relationships with people who I found attractive because I thought they wouldn't would want me," he says.
"That kind of feeling can exist in the very core of you to the point that you can't stand the sight of yourself in the mirror. It has taken me many years to realise that I am worth something and to start caring about myself, maybe even love myself a little.
"There are a lot of unpleasant people out there and when you already feel bad about yourself it doesn't take much to be tipped over the edge by someone stigmatising or abusing you. Many times I have found the attitudes of others very damaging.
"Thankfully, I know how to handle it now. It's a mind-set and self-belief."
HIV Happy Hour will air on Radio Reverb (97.2FM) every Thursday at 7pm from 1 October.
My name is Josue HIV+ since 2009, 29 years old, homeless, living in the U.S. on my own without any family. I am hoping and working towards a better life in the US. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
I Am Brother Barnabas-Francis n/SSF(02 of15)
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I am Brother Barnabas-Francis n/SSF (novice in the Society of Saint Francis) and I was diagnosed in 2001. I joined SSF in 2008. I am not ashamed of my status and believe that those who can should stand up and be counted so that we can end the stigma! (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Maria Mejia (03 of15)
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Maria’s Journal, started by Maria Mejia has leveraged social media via video blogs, blogging, public speaking, and press interviews to continually combat HIV/AIDS stigma, answer questions, and advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. During the ongoing Florida ADAP crisis, she used her online presence to spread the word to the state’s Latino community, and others, to help galvanize support for the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs. Maria has been HIV-positive since she was 18 years old. Maria’s Journal can be viewed online here. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Bishop Joyce Turner Keller(04 of15)
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Bishop Joyce Turner Keller has lofted the term “southern hospitality” to an entirely new level. She is not only the founder and CEO of Aspirations, a non-profit faith-based community service organization, but someone who is living with HIV/AIDS herself, and has dedicated herself to educating, supporting and inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS throughout the nation. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
We Are The Lorain County Aids Task Force (05 of15)
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We are the Lorain County Aids Task Force . An all volunteer HIV Social Service Agency & we agree there is No Shame About Being HIV Positive.We are a community that cares and together we WILL make a difference. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Sonya(06 of15)
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Sonya rises up to HIV to let the world know "have no shame about being HIV +" Though, HIV negative Sonya has experienced the tragic toll of this epidemic. She lost many friends. She takes on AIDS Awareness and Activism in memory of all of her friends who have died from AIDS and all who continue to live with this disease. She was featured in an article regarding her awareness initiative. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Mark S. King And Michael Mitchell(07 of15)
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Mark (left) and Michael are HIV+ and enjoying life and love together. Mark chronicles life with HIV on his popular and funny blog, www.MyFabulousDisease.com (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
My Name Is Zee(08 of15)
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My name is Zee. I have been HIV positive for 25 years now and I had a daughter born with aids. I had to learn how to deal with this virus me and my child could have a happy live. I caught the virus from an iv drug user that did not tell me that he had the virus and I found out about it when she was born. I was 30 years old when I found out and I am now 54. My child who was born with aids is now 25. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Kari Farmer(09 of15)
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K came to see me in the hospital on my 31st bday!!!This was taken on My 31st birthday 3 days after I was diagnosed with AIDS on Nov 4, 2010. I love this picture!!! You can feel the love between me and my daughter. I have since become undetectable, I am an avid advocate, I am working on my activism. Most importantly, I am still here to make great memories with my beautiful daughter!!!She is not ashamed to have a MOMMY who is HIV+ and I am not ashamed to be living with HIV! (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Anthony Adero(10 of15)
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Originally from Kenya, Africa Anthony age 25, has been HIV positive since 2008. He currently resides in Seattle, WA and is a LGBT and HIV Activist. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Nancy Duncan(11 of15)
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28 years and still thriving, NO shame here! (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Ryan Kelly(12 of15)
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My name is Ryan Kelly. I contracted HIV in April 2010. I was a crystal meth addict at the time I contracted the disease. I thought my life was over and my positive status drove me deeper into my addiction. Against all odds, I rose above and stopped using drugs. I now live a fulfilling life. I used to say I had to "deal" with having HIV. Now I know it is simply something I am "living" with and I am not ashamed to say that I am HIV positive. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Dona Lackey(13 of15)
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Dona Lackey is a single mother, a Medical Massage Therapist, a Massage Instructor and a Pharmacy Inventory Manager who was diagnosed HIV + in 2006. She refuses to let the Positive diagnosis become a life-style detriment and instead chose to inspire others through blogging and artwork. Dona is turning 40 years old in July 2013 and she lives in the Kansas City, MO Metro area. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
My Name Is Joey Pineda(14 of15)
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My name is Joey Pineda, from NYC and I was diagnosed with HIV in 1990 at the age of 19 when I had no clue what HIV was I thought it was a simple cold virus. Today I've educated myself and try to help others educate themselves about sex, condom use, medications use and their possible side effects. I'm an open book if you like to ask me a question please do. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)
Alicia LuvLee Diggs(15 of15)
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I was diagnosed December 13 2001 and was knowingly infected by my ex-husband who failed to tell me his status. I have known him since I was 14 years old and married him when I was 30 years old. I trusted his word which evidently was not enough. I am a native of Philadelphia Pa but currently reside in NC. I have been an open activist in my community since 2004. (credit:via No Shame About Being HIV Positive)