HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the immune system and weakens your ability to fight infections.
What is it?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affects the immune system. It is the virus that can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if it is left untreated.
Anyone who has had unprotected sex including anal, vaginal and on rare occasions oral sex could be at risk of HIV. It can also be transmitted via sharing needles and from a HIV positive mother to her child through pregnancy, childbirth and breast milk. It cannot be passed on through;
• Hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing cups/cutlery, coughing or sneezing
• Toilet seats, swimming pools, showers, hot tubs, towels
• Mosquito bites
Symptoms
The symptoms for HIV can differ from person to person and not everyone will develop symptoms. It is possible to experience a short flu like illness which could occur 2-6 weeks after becoming infected.
Symptoms could include fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands and headache.
Testing
Testing for HIV is a simple blood test. Results are usually available within a few days. To arrange to have a test call the central booking line to book an appointment. 0300 131 7010.
We routinely offer all patients who have a new sexual partner a blood test for HIV. The time it takes for your test to show a positive result for HIV is, in most cases, 4 weeks. You will be advised to have a test on the day you attend the clinic and again in 4 weeks from the time of the possible exposure i.e. when you had sex.
There are also rapid tests called Point of Care Tests (POCT) where you can obtain your results from a simple finger prick. Results take 20 mins. These are offered in some situations where an urgent result is required.
Treatment
If the test is positive this means that you have HIV and will be referred to a HIV specialist within our department.
There is no cure for HIV but there are a number of highly effective, easy to take treatments. This medication can help prevent people from becoming unwell. Taking this medication every day correctly will prevent further damage to your immune system and allow you to live a full and active life.
Once the virus becomes Undetectable within your system the virus becomes Untransmittable, meaning you can’t pass on the virus to others.
This is known as U=U.