The story of EastEnders' Mark Fowler, the UK's most well known HIV+ character, has been followed by millions of young people over the past decade as he attempts to come to terms with the virus. But his portrayal has been far from accurate, according to those who work with HIV+ people.
Paula Harrowing, co-founder and director of Body and Soul, a charity aimed at providing emotional support for HIV+ teenagers, says: "Mark's story was totally unrealistic as it never showed how ill a person can get with HIV or the side-effects of the drugs.
"A real HIV+ person couldn't get out of bed every morning to run a market stall. Also, judging by the number of people who knew of his condition, he did not experience the real level of prejudice that HIV people face once they reveal their secret."
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