What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) and it weakens your ability to fight infections. It can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related illnesses if untreated.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted through contact with blood, genital fluids, and breast milk which means it can be passed:
- through sex (including vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys)
- by sharing needles
- to the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding
It cannot be passed through everyday contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, living together, sharing food, cups, towels, showers or swimming pools, or mosquito bites.
Testing
HIV is tested with a blood test or rapid finger-prick test. Tests are free on the NHS from sexual health clinics, GPs, community testing events, or via home test kits. Order a kit here for FREE
Symptoms
Early symptoms may feel like the flu (e.g. fever, sore throat, headache). Other possible symptoms include a rash and swollen glands.
Many people with HIV feel healthy for years without knowing, so it’s important to get tested even if you don’t have any symptoms.
Treatment
There is no cure currently, but daily medication called antiretroviral therapy can keep HIV under control and protect your immune system.
With effective treatment, the virus becomes undetectable. You stay healthy and cannot pass it on (known as Undetectable = Untransmissible, or U=U).
Living with HIV
HIV is a manageable health condition. When HIV was first detected in the 1980s, treatment was limited and life expectancy was altered. Now, with treatment, people living with HIV can have normal life expectancies. Early diagnosis helps with getting on treatment as soon as possible and living a long and healthy life.
More information about living with HIV can be found at Living with HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can you lower your risk of getting HIV?
You can lower your risk of getting HIV by:
- Using a condom when you have sex or a dental dam.
- People aged 13-25 living in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire can get condoms and dental dams for free through the C-Card scheme. More information can be found at Free Condoms – Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
- Avoiding sharing needles or other injecting equipment.
- Using PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) a medication that protects against HIV). More information about PrEP can be found at PrEP – Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
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Do you have to tell your employer or school if you have HIV?
No, HIV status is private medical information. You are not required to tell your employer or school.
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If you have HIV and get pregnant, will you give the baby HIV?
With effective treatment and medical care, the risk of passing HIV to your baby is extremely low (less than 1%). Most people living with HIV in the UK have not passed it on to their children.
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Who is at high risk of HIV?
You may be considered high risk if you…
- Have recently had an STI
- Are a man who has sex with men (MSM)
- Are transgender and have condomless sex
- Have condomless sex with someone without knowing their HIV status
- Have condomless sex with multiple sexual partners
- Have sex whilst on recreational drugs
- Inject drugs
- Exchange sex for money, drugs, shelter or another reason
- Have HIV
- Come from a country with high rates of HIV (such as countries in sub-Saharan Africa)