Click on the headings below to read our HIV Factsheet
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that attacks and damages the immune system.
Most HIV infection is contracted through unprotected sex because HIV is present in body fluids such as blood, semen, anal mucus and vaginal fluid.
It can also be transmitted through sharing injecting drug equipment and from mother to child at birth or through breastfeeding (but this is rare in the UK as pregnant women are screened in early pregnancy).
HIV can develop into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which comes in the late stages of HIV. It is when people with HIV also have a collection of illnesses due to their compromised immune system.
Symptoms are most likely to occur in the first 2-6 weeks – this period is called “primary HIV infection” or “sero-conversion”.
At this time people can be highly infectious if they have unprotected sex.
After sero-conversion people can be symptomless but they can still be infectious to others.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen glands
At present there is no cure for HIV but there is effective medication called anti-retroviral therapy that controls the virus to the point it can't be detected in blood samples.
Immune function is therefore preserved, controlling HIV results in a normal life expectancy. Furthermore, an undetectable viral load also means the virus can’t be passed on during unprotected sex.
Get tested
The most important way we can prevent complications in HIV is to diagnose and treat people as soon as possible after they have become infected. You can either order HIV test kits online via https://www.shl.uk or receive them through a sexual health clinic or your GP.
Use physical forms of contraception
Free condoms for at-risk people can be accessed via https://www.sexualhealthbromley.co.uk/
PrEP and PEPSE (PRE AND POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS)
These treatments can also be taken by an HIV negative person to prevent HIV acquisition via unprotected sex.
Needle exchange programmes
Needle exchange programmes are organised through local pharmacies and discourage the use of contaminated needles.
Take care of your general health through nutrition and physical activity
Ensuring that you are taking care of your body by being physically active and eating a balanced diet not only supports your mental health but can also have benefits such as boosting your immunity. Some HIV medication can also increase cholesterol or risk of diabetes and so make sure you discuss side effects with your doctor.
Myth 1: You only need to take your medication if you are feeling unwell
No, even if you are not having symptoms (asymptomatic) HIV can ‘silently’ cause damage to the immune system. Some of this damage is not reversible and can have long term effects on your health. Taking your medication even when you feel healthy can prevent this damage even taking place.
Myth 2: You can only get tested for HIV at the doctor
Not true. There are a range of locations that can test for HIV for free. These include: clinics run by HIV charities, general sexual health clinics, and at-home testing kits. You can access an at-home testing kit here: https://www.shl.uk.
Myth 3: You can’t live a normal life if you are diagnosed with HIV
This is untrue, through early diagnosis and treatment there are less barriers for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. By taking treatment, the viral load (the amount of the virus) will be reduced and reach undetectable levels. This means that you can’t pass on the virus, to sexual partners or children.
Myth 4: HIV and AIDs are the same
Not true, AIDS is late-stage or advanced HIV. You can’t get an AIDS diagnosis unless you have already been diagnosed with HIV, but not all people with HIV will develop AIDS due to improvements in the management and treatment of HIV.
HIV community nurse
Support and help from community nurses in Bromley.
Contact number 01689 86647
Terrence Higgins
Charity that provides support for people living with HIV through helplines, community groups, running HIV workshops, providing testing and campaigning for people with HIV.
Helpline 0808 802 1221
National AIDS trust
Charity that can provide finacial, and social support for those living with HIV, they also work with healthcare professionals to keep practices up to date.
https://www.nat.org.uk/about-hiv/understanding-hiv
Sexual Health Bromley
For information about local HIV and sexual health services, prevention and free condom schemes.
https://www.sexualhealthbromley.co.uk/
HIV i-base
HIV treatment advice and advocacy - comprehensive details about anti-retroviral medication.
Sexual Health London
Free home STI/HIV testing.
You can find out more about the support provided by our Long Term Health Conditions Team on the Long Term Health Conditions webpage.
Download the HIV Factsheet as a .pdf here
Select another factsheet from the list found on the right or beneath this factsheet.