HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If left untreated, the virus weakens the immune system by attacking the cells that help fight off infections and diseases. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV. Today, people living with HIV can live healthy lives and expect a normal life expectancy as long as they have access to HIV treatment.
How is HIV passed on?
In HIV positive people the virus is present in the following bodily fluids:
- blood
- semen and pre-cum
- rectal fluids and anal mucus
- vaginal fluids
- breast milk
HIV can be passed on through the following routes:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
- Sharing injectable equipment
- Vertical transmission, potentially during childbirth and rarely during pregnancy
- Breast/chest feeding
What about U=U?
The virus can only be passed on during sex if the person living with HIV has a ‘detectable’ viral load.
Once someone is diagnosed with HIV, they can start taking effective medication and expect to reach an ‘undetectable’ viral load within six months, if not sooner.
The virus does not disappear altogether, but usually hides within cells, so treatment needs to be taken for the rest of your life to keep it suppressed.
The risk of passing on HIV through sex when you have an undetectable viral load is zero.
This is often described as Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U.
Prevention
Transmission of HIV can be prevented by the use of condoms during sexual activity which carries the highest risk.
PrEP
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is the use of HIV medication to prevent someone who is HIV negative from becoming HIV positive during condomless sex. Read more information about PrEP
PEP
PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and can stop HIV infection after the virus has entered the body. It is not guaranteed to work but has a very high success rate. PEP must be started no later than 72 hours following the exposure to HIV. The drugs must be taken for up to four weeks. PEP is available from Sexual Health Clinics and A&E departments but not from GPs. Read more information about PEP
How do I know I have HIV?
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to take an HIV test, you can find more information here.
There are no symptoms unique to HIV, but some common issues people describe include a flu like illness one to four weeks after being exposed to HIV; headaches, sore throat, stomach upsets and a rash.
Some people may have no symptoms at all, so if you are told you may have been exposed to HIV, taking a test to find out is the best thing you can do.
What is HIV treatment like?
Most people take one or more pills to treat their HIV. These usually need to be taken at the same time every day.
A small number of people are on injectable HIV treatment, receiving two injections every two months.
Treatment is life-long, if you stop taking it HIV will multiple and eventually make you unwell by attacking your immune system.
HIV treatment is free to everyone in the UK, no matter your immigration status.
HIV treatment is free.
HIV In the Workplace
The PaSH Partnership has created a new resource that will support employers to reduce HIV stigma within the workplace, and to ensure that employees living with HIV are protected from discrimination. The guide will also help working people living with HIV to understand the rights and protection enshrined in The Equality Act 2010, and help them advocate for those rights if necessary.
Emergency Support
Free & confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities
Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing