About HIV

The virus is passed from person to person during unprotected sex. This includes anal, vaginal and on rare occasions oral sex.

It can also be transmitted by sharing injecting equipment for drug use. And sometimes a mother can pass HIV onto her baby during childbirth and/or breastfeeding.

If you've been infected with HIV, you might not actually show symptoms or signs of the infection. You might experience flu-like symptoms when you're first infected - which is called the seroconversion illness, or primary HIV infection.

Symptoms of the seroconversion illness to look out for include headaches, high temperature/feveer, skin rash, muscle aches and pains, diarrhoea, sore throat and fatigue.

After the first stage of HIV has passed, you may not experience any symptoms for several years. The HIV may go undetected and it will multiply. During this time, it can be passed onto other people. This means it's important to get tested for HIV after unprotected sex, as you could have the virus and pass it onto other people without ever knowing.

Your immune system is affected by HIV, leading to life-threatening infections and/or cancers unless the virus is diagnosed and treated with antiviral medication.

We offer a rapid finger prick HIV test, where you get your results before you even walk out the door. Book an appointment local to you.

This is also offered in sexual health clinics. However, they usually offer a blood test which is then sent to a laboratory. Results are available within five working days.

If your test is reactive, you'll be referred to the HIV specialist clinic.

Even though HIV is not curable at present, it's a treatable infection. If you're diagnosed early before your immunity is damaged, you should be able to lead a long and healthy life because treatments for HIV are very good. If you're HIV positive, the earlier you get tested and are diagnosed, the better the physical outcome.

• If you have anal or vaginal sex, then condoms with water-based or silicone-based lube will help reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
• Occasionally condoms might split, tear or roll off. Taking the time to make sure you're using the correct size will help reduce this problem. You can get free condoms from us - so ask to take away a few different sizes if you want to experiment.
• PrEP is a medication which is extremely effect at stopping you contracting HIV if you come into contact with the virus. We have lots more information about PrEP here.
• Someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment cannot pass the virus on.
• Know your own HIV status.
• Get comfortable talking about HIV, and learn about it alongside your partner/s.
• Get regular HIV tests.
• If you're living with HIV, take your medication as directed and be aware f your viral load.