HIV

If HIV is not treated, it can weaken the immune system over time. This can:

• Make it harder to fight infections

• Increase the risk of some cancers

With treatment, this risk is much lower.

Routine HIV screening is a normal part of looking after your health. Finding HIV early means treatment can start quickly, helping people stay well and protecting others too.

Important

Many people with HIV feel well and have no symptoms. A test is the only way to know for sure.

Early symptoms

Some people get flu-like symptoms a few weeks after catching HIV. These can include:

• A high temperature

• Sore throat

• Tiredness

• Aches and pains

• A rash

• Swollen glands (lumps in the neck, armpit or groin)

These symptoms can be caused by lots of common illnesses and often go away.

Later symptoms

If HIV is not treated, it can weaken the immune system over time. This can lead to:

• Getting infections more often

• Infections that are harder to clear

• Feeling very tired most of the time

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

With treatment, this risk is much lower.

What to do

If you are offered an HIV test as part of routine care, it can help to say yes. Testing is always confidential and support is available whatever the result.

HIV screening is about looking after your health, not judging behaviour. Many people with HIV feel well and do not know they have it. A test is the only way to know for sure.

Finding HIV early helps

When HIV is found early:

• Treatment can start straight away

• People can live long, healthy lives

• The virus can be controlled so it cannot be passed on to others

Early testing protects you and the people you care about.

Testing is normal and routine

HIV testing is now a routine part of NHS care in many places.

In some NHS A&E departments, HIV testing is being offered as opt-out testing when blood tests are taken. This means:

• The test is done routinely, unless you say no

• It helps find HIV earlier

• It reduces stigma by making testing routine for everyone

You can always choose not to have the test.

Testing is confidential and supportive

• Results are private

• Support is available whatever the result

• A positive result means help and treatment

To order your own at home testing kit use this link: Free HIV Kits for testing at Home | Freetesting HIV

HIV is passed on through certain body fluids. This usually happens through:

• Sex without a condom

• Sharing needles or injecting equipment

HIV can also be passed from a parent to a baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, but this is now very rare in the UK because of routine testing and treatment.

HIV is not spread by

You cannot get HIV from:

• hugging or kissing

• sharing cups, plates, or cutlery

• using the same toilet or shower

• coughing, sneezing, or touch

HIV does not spread through everyday contact.

Important to know

People on effective HIV treatment cannot pass HIV on through sex.

This is sometimes called U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Testing and treatment protect everyone’s health.

1. Get tested

• HIV testing is quick and confidential

• Testing helps people get treatment early if needed

• Ask your GP, sexual health clinic, or use home testing kits

2. Treatment works

People on HIV treatment:

• Can live a normal life span

• Cannot pass HIV on through sex once the virus is controlled (U=U)

3. Use protection

Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV and other infections.

4. Look after your health

A healthy immune system helps reduce illness risk:

• Stop smoking

• Limit alcohol

• Eat regular meals

• Get enough sleep

Important

If you are worried about symptoms, risk, or testing:

• Speak to your GP practice

• Contact Warrington Sexual Health Clinic

Help is confidential and non-judgemental.