World AIDS Day – “Get tested, Get treated, Get undetectable”
Monday 1st December is World AIDS Day. This is a time to raise awareness about HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and take a stand against stigma. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related illnesses if left untreated.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be passed on…
- through sex
- 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, or sharing food, cups, towels, showers or swimming pools.
How can you prevent getting HIV?
You can lower your risk of getting HIV by
- Using condoms
- Avoiding sharing needles or other injecting equipment
- Using PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – a medication that protects against HIV) if you are at high risk
- Taking PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis – medication taken within 72 hours of high-risk unprotected sex
Treatment
There is no cure for HIV right now, but taking daily medicine called antiretroviral therapy (ART) can keep the virus under control and protect your immune system. With treatment, HIV can become so low in your blood that tests cannot find it. This is called being undetectable. When HIV is undetectable, you stay healthy and cannot pass the virus to your sexual partners.
This is known as Undetectable = Untransmissible, or U=U.
Most people in the UK living with HIV are taking effective antiretroviral treatment and cannot pass it on.
Get Tested
Please contact the service on 0300 131 7010 or on the website for free & confidential sexual health advice, HIV testing, PrEP, PEP and condoms.
