Speaking from behind a screen, this week's guest on Indepth, a person who has HIV explained that he wished to remain anonymous so as to not be labelled as "that guy who has HIV", particularly after hearing stories where people would refuse to hug someone with HIV, or even touch the same objects for fear of contracting the disease themselves.

The individual, who was interviewed by The Malta Independent's Editor-in-Chief Rachel Attard, was diagnosed with HIV two years ago at 26 years of age. He shared his personal experience with regards to how this has impacted his everyday life and relationships.

Before he was diagnosed with the disease, he went through a phase of recurring sickness, until the regularity of his illnesses pushed him to take further blood tests and make the necessary checks.

He explained that being told he had HIV felt as if he had been kicked in the back with shock, and subsequent days and weeks saw him enduring waves of emotion that could not be controlled.

"It was like something invaded my body and that it wasn't mine anymore - like it wasn't me anymore."

He explained that his day-to-day life hasn't changed, and after three months his virus was undetectable, untransmutable, and that his life expectancy is expected to be almost normal.

The programme will be uploaded on Friday.